It is 28th June 2015. It is the Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary time. The readings are from Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15; and the Gospel from Mark 5:21-43. The readings invite us to reflect on faith and the necessity of faith in our lives. The first reading proclaims the truth that God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. The intention of the Creator was that we should not experience death. God created us to live but that it was the devil’s jealousy which brought death into the world. Death entered through Satan and through the friendship with the same evil. “Through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it.” (Wis.2:24). The second reading invites us to be generous in giving because we have received all the spiritual gifts. We are here on earth to empty ourselves as the Lord Jesus emptied himself. St. Paul wishes us to have a sense of balance in giving. Giving is a natural response of love. Because we are richly blessed, in love we must look at the need of the other in sharing our abundance. The responsorial Psalm prays, “I will praise you, Lord for you have rescued me.” (Ps.30:2). The Gospel invites us to have faith in the healing power of Jesus. Two stories of healing. One story tells us about a father’s great love for his dying daughter. The other story tells us about a desperate woman who risks much as she seeks healing from Jesus. In each story, the request for healing is itself a courageous act of faith. One approaches Jesus publicly. The other approaches Jesus secretly. Yet in each case, faith leads them to seek out Jesus in their time of need. After listening to the miracles, we are expected to make our act of faith in affirming Jesus as God’s Son. May the Lord bless you to have faith in Jesus in all circumstances.

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