Daily Readings - Sun Jun 30 2024
2 Corinthians
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.13For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:14But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:15As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Mark
21And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.24And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.43And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of life, death, and the boundless love of God. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that God did not create death, nor does he take pleasure in the destruction of his creation. Instead, he made all things to exist, and life is a gift meant to be cherished. Death entered the world through the envy of the devil, but even in the face of death, we are called to trust in God’s plan and his promise of eternal life. This passage encourages us to see life as sacred and to reject anything that seeks to destroy it.
The second reading from 2 Corinthians shifts our focus to the virtue of generosity. St. Paul reminds us that Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, so that through his poverty we might become rich. This is not just about material wealth but about the spiritual wealth that comes from living a life of love and sacrifice. Paul encourages us to share our abundance with those in need, so that there may be equality among all. This is a call to live simply, to trust in God’s providence, and to recognize that everything we have is a gift meant to be shared.
In the Gospel, Mark tells the story of Jairus, a synagogue ruler who begs Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite the doubts of those around him, Jairus trusts in Jesus, and his faith is rewarded when Jesus raises his daughter from the dead. This story reminds us that faith is not about understanding everything but about trusting in God’s power and love, even in the face of uncertainty and sorrow. Jesus’ words to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just have faith,” are words we can apply to our own lives when we face challenges and difficulties.
These readings together teach us to trust in God’s goodness, to cherish the gift of life, and to live with generosity and faith. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s plan, even when things seem impossible? Are we willing to share what we have with others, trusting that God will provide? May we, like Jairus, have the courage to place our faith in Jesus, knowing that he is the source of all life and love.