Thirteenth Sunday of the Year: B: June 30, 2024
First Reading: Wisdom 1: 13-15 and 2: 23-24
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-9 and 13-15
Gospel Reading: Mark 5: 21-43
*First reading is from the book of Wisdom. The Lord God created everything good. He is not the author of death. Humans too are created for incorruptibility. Consequently, we are destined to live eternally. But the evil one (the devil) brings sin and death into the world. To overcome death and to regain immortality, we must obey the Lord God who is the creator and sustainer of everything that exists.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul urges the Christian community at Corinth and us to be generous towards the poor and the less fortunate. Paul gives us the example of Christ who, although is rich in everything, becomes poor for our sake. Those who have abundance of wealth are obliged to take care of the poor and the needy.
Little girl, I say to you, arise. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Two miracle stories are narrated. In the first miracle, Jesus heals a woman who was suffering for a very long time. She had a hemorrhage for twelve long years. She is healed miraculously and instantly by touching the garment of Jesus. Realizing that the healing has taken place, Jesus inquires about the one who touched Him and got healed. The woman, initially reluctant and shocked, openly acknowledges that she is healed by touching the garment of Jesus. Jesus commends her faith and tells her: 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.' The second miracle narrated takes place when Jairus, a synagogue official, requests Jesus to heal his daughter who is at the point of death. Jesus reassures him and tells him: 'Do not fear, only believe.' Later, Jesus goes to the house of Jairus and brings back to life the little girl who was already dead. Through these two miracles, Jesus is inviting us to have faith in the healing power of the Lord so that we too may experience His healing touch. We in turn may be strengthened in our faith and continue the healing ministry of Jesus in times of sickness and pains. These miracles remind us that every follower of Christ ought to be a channel of blessings for others and dispense the healing power of the Lord. Every act of caring and sharing would cost us something. But if we keep ourselves in touch with the Lord, then the healing power of Jesus will empower us and constantly restore us to His fullness. Let our prayer always be like that of St. Francis of Assisi: "Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon Lord. And where there is doubt, true faith in you." Amen.
