Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The claim that God did not make death calls to mind the story of the first sin, which brought death into the world. The Wisdom author’s view of immortality is influenced by both the Jewish idea of covenant bond and the Greek concept of immortality. He claims that “justice is undying.” Since this immortal justice characterizes the covenantal relationship of human beings with the immortal God, this relationship is undying as well. The author further argues that, though mortal by nature, as images of God human beings were meant to be imperishable.
Paul pleads with the Corinthian community to come to the assistance of less fortunate Christians. He exhorts them to embrace this new venture with the same enthusiasm that they have shown in other areas of Christian living. He then turns to the example of Jesus, who willingly relinquished life itself for the sake of the Corinthians. He is merely asking that they give out of their abundance, for this is the basis of Christian sharing. Paul assures them that those with whom they are generous have riches to share as well. These may not be material treasures, but they are resources for which the Corinthians have need.
The Gospel reading consists of two healing accounts. A distraught father throws himself at the feet of Jesus and pleads for the life of his daughter. While on his way to heal her, a woman suffering from a hemorrhage seeks a cure by touching Jesus. Both stories demonstrate the faith in the power of God working through Jesus. The healing of the woman, though performed in public, was really a private affair. The raising of the girl, though accomplished in private, was in danger of becoming widely known. At the heart of each of these stories is the invitation to faith in Jesus and his power over sickness and death.