Daily Readings - Sun Jun 27 2021
2 Corinthians
7But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.13Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.14At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,15as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
Mark
21When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake.22Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet23and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live."24So Jesus went with him.35While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"36Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe."37He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.38When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.39He went in and said to them, "Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep."40But they laughed at him.41After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" ).42Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.43He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on life, death, and the transformative power of faith and generosity. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that death was not part of God’s original creation but entered the world through sin. It reassures us that God’s plan is for life, and His justice is eternal. The second reading from 2 Corinthians invites us to embrace generosity and equality, inspired by Christ’s self-emptying love. Finally, the Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic miracle: Jairus’s daughter raised from the dead, a testament to Jesus’ power over death and His call to unwavering faith.
These readings are deeply interconnected. The Book of Wisdom sets the stage by highlighting the tragedy of death and the hope of eternal life. The 2 Corinthians passage bridges this hope with the call to live generously, mirroring Christ’s sacrifice. The Gospel then illustrates this hope and generosity in action through Jesus’ miracle, showing that faith can overcome even death. Together, they remind us that our ultimate hope is in God’s promise of eternal life, and we are called to live this hope by trusting in God and sharing His gifts with others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to face challenges with faith, trusting that God is always at work. When we encounter suffering or loss, we are invited to turn to God, just as Jairus did, believing in His power to bring life out of death. Similarly, we are called to live with generosity, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God. Let us embrace these lessons, living with faith, hope, and generosity, knowing that God’s plan for us is life—abundant and eternal.