XIII Sunday in OT:2015:Wis1:13-15;2:23-24;2 Cor8:7, 9,13-15;Mk5:21-43

XIII Sunday in OT:2015:Wis1:13-15;2:23-24;2 Cor8:7, 9,13-15;Mk5:21-43

Introduction: On this thirteenth Sunday of the church’s ordinary time we celebrate the Lord who gives life. God created us to live and, it is his desire and intention that we prosper in health of body and mind. So, “death” is totally opposed to God the author of life. This was why Christ accepted death and poverty that we ourselves might live and be rich.

Readings: The gospel passage for today describes two miracles, the healing of a woman from her chronic bleeding disease and the revival of the dead daughter of Jairus to life.   These healings teach us that Jesus willed life, and willed full life for all God’s children.  They also give us further proof of the divine power and the infinite mercy of our Savior. These miracles were worked by Jesus as reward for the trusting faith of a synagogue ruler and of a woman with a hemorrhage, although the faith of the ruler may have been defective and the woman’s faith may have been a bit superstitious. But Jesus amply rewarded their defective faith by granting them health and life. 

Exegesis: These miracles are evidences of the wish and plan of God for us his people. They also demonstrate that while Christ desires that we be freed from all forms of captivities, he equally wishes that we demonstrate a strong faith in order to step into our miracles. In both cases, we see faith in action. The woman demonstrated her living faith with her active action. She waited for twelve years, and when her chance came, she took it in faith. She was not afraid or ashamed of the crowd. Her action and the reaction of Jesus, simply teach us that coming and touching Christ must be a very deliberate action motivated by a living faith. Also, Jairus demonstrated his faith on behalf of his daughter by persistently inviting Christ. Both Jairus and the woman never gave up, instead, they waited patiently until the plan of God was fulfilled for them.

Joke:  One Sunday at Mass as the priest was giving his homily, a little baby in the front row suddenly started crying loudly.  The mother did her best to pacify the child but nothing worked.  So finally she got up and started to walk down the aisle to take the baby into the cry room.  The priest stopped his preaching, and very compassionately called out to the mother, "That's OK!  You don't have to leave.  The child isn't disturbing me."  The young woman turned around and said, "No, pardon me Father, but you're disturbing my child!"

Practical Applications: 1) We must learn that, it is the plan of God for us to prosper both in body and soul, but we must be patient and walk into this plan in faith.

2) We have a role to play in the plan of God towards others. This is why Paul tells us today: “You always have the most of everything…so we expect you to put the most into this work of mercy too.” So, while Christ seeks our welfare every day, we too must constantly seek the welfare of others.

Introduction: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: Because of sin, sickness and death have entered the world, but are overcome through the resurrection of Jesus.  He hears the cry of those in need, healing the sick and raising the dead to life.  He made himself poor that we might become rich.

Saints and Events in this Week: 29 – Twenty Ninth – Monday – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles; 30 – Thirtieth – Tuesday – The first martyrs of the Holy Roman Church; Blessed Junipero Serra, Priest; 3 – Third of July – Friday – Saint Thomas, the Apostle;