THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
First Reading | Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Our souls are indestructible. God created us immortal—in relationship with the Trinity—to live the fullness of life. With sin comes death as one of its consequences. The resurrection of Jesus tells us to never fear death. We have victory over sin and death through our faith in Jesus. Let us deepen our faith and trust in God.
13 God did not make death, nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living. 14 For he fashioned all things that they might have being; and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is not a destructive drug among them nor any domain of the nether world on earth, 15 for justice is undying. 2:23 For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. 24 But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13
R: I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
2 I will extol you, O Lord, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. 4 O Lord, you brought me up from the nether world; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. 6 For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his good will. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing. (R) 11 Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me; O Lord, be my helper.” 12 You changed my mourning into dancing; 13 O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks. (R)
Second Reading | 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15
The Gospel is freely given to everyone. None of us deserve to be saved. Those who received the Gospel have no right to charge others for it. We have a responsibility to share the Gospel with others as it is designed to be spread everywhere. This is both a duty and a privilege—one that we have for life.
7 Brothers and sisters: As you excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love we have for you, may you excel in this gracious act also. 9 For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 13 Not that others should have relief while you are burdened, but that as a matter of equality 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their needs, so that their abundance may also supply your needs, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: Whoever had much did not have more, and whoever had little did not have less.
Gospel | Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 (or Mark 5:21-43)
Jesus healed the synagogue official’s daughter. Miracles are part of our lives. The Scriptures and Early Church records chronicle numerous miracles, signs, and wonders in people’s lives. Do you believe in miracles? Will you step out in faith and expect miracles in your ministry?
Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
21 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. 22 One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” 24 He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. 35 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” 36 Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” 37 He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. 38 When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39 So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. 41 He took the child by the hand and said to her, Talitha koum, which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” 42 The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. 43 He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.
