Scripture Reflections for Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The readings for this Sunday focus on the theme of death, and God’s power over it. They discuss God’s relationship with, and intentions for, the natural world: topics that resonate with Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment Laudato Si. Since my reflections on the Sunday Readings for Year B are now all available in book form here, I’ll just give some comments on the First Reading below:"

John Bergsma. "God of Life." The Sacred Page. June 19, 2021

"The story about Ann Jillian (an American singer and actress) is quite inspiring to hear. It is all about her victory over breast cancer. In the year 1985, the then 35 years actress made headlines when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. But the interesting part of her story is that one day, on her way to the hospital to check the nature of the growth which she had noticed; she stopped at St. Francis..."

Father Lawrence Obilor. "A life restoring God." A Catholic Moment. June 27, 2021

"These are wise words from the book of Wisdom today. So often we witness or experience bad things in the world, or suffer from afflictions and we may ask, “How can God let this happen?” Similarly, I remember a story about a tornado a couple years back and someone mentioned on Facebook how thankful they were to God that they and others were OK and did not get hit by the tornado."

Joseph LaCombe. "Just Have Faith." A Catholic Moment. July 1, 2018

"The first reading tells us that death and sickness came into the world, through the devil's envy. God's response to this tragedy of sin and death was to send his own Son among us as one like us in all things but sin. In today's Gospel, we see the power of God at work in him, with the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the bringing back to life of the..."

Fr. Aelred Connelly. "The Healing of the Nations." Torch. June 28, 2009

"It's the robust earthy physicality of Mark's story that calls for reflection. Back on 'the other side', the west bank of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus has a big crowd, swarming round him, literally 'gathered on top of him'. Jairus, a synagogue officer, 'sees' Jesus, 'throws himself at his feet', dramatically, 'begs him over and over' to come and 'lay his hands on his little daughter', who is 'near the end'."

Fr. Fergus Kerr. "A Loving Touch." Torch. July 2, 2006