Daily Readings - Tue Jul 22 2025
First Reading - Song of Solomon 3.1-4a or 2 Corinthians 5.14-17
Song of Solomon
1By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.3The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?4It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
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.
John
1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound expressions of love and devotion, each offering a unique perspective on the human and divine connection. The first reading from the Song of Solomon presents a poetic dialogue between two lovers, where the bride expresses her deep longing and relentless search for her beloved. Her journey through the night, the city streets, and her encounter with the watchers symbolizes the universal human quest for connection and meaning. This passage, often interpreted allegorically, reflects the soul’s yearning for God, emphasizing persistence and passion in seeking a deeper relationship with the divine.
The Gospel reading from John shifts our focus to a moment of profound revelation. Mary Magdalene, overwhelmed with grief, discovers the empty tomb and encounters the risen Jesus. Her tears of sorrow turn to joy as she recognizes the Lord, who commissions her to share the news of his resurrection with the disciples. This narrative underscores the transformative power of love and faith, as Mary’s unwavering devotion leads her to be the first witness of the resurrection, a moment that changes the course of history.
These readings, though distinct in context, are united by themes of love, perseverance, and the fulfillment of longing. The bride’s relentless search in the Song of Solomon mirrors Mary’s steadfastness in her grief and faith. Both stories remind us that our spiritual journeys, marked by moments of uncertainty and searching, are ultimately met with the fulfillment of God’s presence. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate this persistence and trust, knowing that even in darkness, God’s love and light prevail. Let us approach our own challenges with the same courage and devotion, trusting that our seeking will lead us to encounter the divine in unexpected and transformative ways.