Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 30 June 2024
First Reading: Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2: 23-24
The True Nature of GOD!
“God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living.” (13)
“For God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. (23-24)
We must Praise God! We read and see for ourselves here that God did not create death! We must read through the 1st and 2nd chapters to gain an insight into the words of the reading today! It is very clearly written about how man “invited death”! –“Do not invite death by the error of your life, or bring on destruction by the works of your hands!” (Wis.1:12) The works of the ungodly are described in the verses between the readings today. (Wis.2:5 – 20) “Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them.” (Wis.2:21) Let our base and wicked self, not lead us into sin! – “For a holy and disciplined spirit will flee from deceit…” (Wis.1:5)
Therefore let us remain disciplined and beware of the company we keep too! We pray to St. Michael to protect us always, in Jesus’ name Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2-6, 11-13
“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.” (2)
“…so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” (12)
Amen, Alleluia!
Second Reading: Second Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15
Stay on Course!
Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you — so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. (7)
St. Paul urges the Church in Corinth to finish the work they began last year! (2Cor. 8: 10-12) Citing the example of the Churches in Macedonia, (2 Cor. 8:1-5) he encourages them to work on their commitment. We too are urged to complete the work we began in ourselves with much enthusiasm. According to the Lectio Divina, “Let us seek out support to do what is good and right. When our commitments are shared we have greater likelihood of success.”
Our greatest supports are Mother Mary and the Holy Spirit; let us turn our hearts to them and be led! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alleluia: Second Timothy 1: 10
This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 5: 21-43
The Faith Manual!
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (34)
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. (41-42)
There was a crowd, yet she didn’t give up hope of encountering her healing. She knew The Source and kept her focus on HIM. The woman “felt in her body” that she had been healed. (v.29) She didn’t step back quietly into anonymity but stepped up and proclaimed all that had taken place inside of her! In the other miracle cited today, the 12-year-old girl heard the voice of the Master and obeyed!
There could be times when the Lord allows us the grace to believe first before we receive our miracle! As we pray with the belief of already receiving the miracle, “our faith will make us well!” Then as the little girl obeys HIS command, let us wake up and walk about in faith. Faith in action requires us to have courage, the courage to obey! Only then will our faith be meaningful!
Many a miracle awaits us. It is only us who stand in the way! Let us believe already and act accordingly! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
