Daily Readings - Sun Jun 23 2024
Job
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.8Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?9When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,10And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
2 Corinthians
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Mark
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of God's sovereignty, transformation, and faith. The first reading from Job depicts God speaking from a whirlwind, challenging Job's understanding of creation. God's questions about the foundations of the earth and the sea emphasize His divine wisdom and power, reminding us of the awe-inspiring nature of creation. This passage invites us to reflect on our place within the grandeur of God's universe.
The second reading from 2 Corinthians shifts our focus to the transformative power of Christ's love. Paul writes that Christ's death and resurrection have redefined our existence, urging us to live not for ourselves but for Him. This passage calls us to embrace our new identity in Christ, letting go of the old and embracing the new life He offers. It reminds us that our lives should be lived with purpose, directed by the love of Christ.
In the Gospel, Mark recounts the miracle of Jesus calming the storm. As the disciples face a turbulent sea, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature, teaching them about faith and trust in God's presence. This story speaks to our own experiences of turmoil, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, God is with us, offering peace and calm. It challenges us to deepen our faith and trust in His providence.
These readings together invite us to trust in God's power and presence, to embrace the transformation Christ brings, and to live with faith and purpose. May we, like the disciples, turn to Jesus in our storms, and may we, like Paul, live as new creations, guided by the love of Christ.