Daily Readings - Sun Jun 30 2024
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
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.