Daily Readings - Mon May 21 2018
James
13Who is wise and well-taught among you? Let him show, by means of good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom14But if you hold a bitter zeal, and if there is contention in your hearts, then do not boast and do not be liars against the truth15For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical16For wherever envy and contention is, there too is inconstancy and every depraved work17But within the wisdom that is from above, certainly, chastity is first, and next peacefulness, meekness, openness, consenting to what is good, a plenitude of mercy and good fruits, not judging, without falseness18And so the fruit of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace
Mark
14And approaching his disciples, he saw a great crowd surrounding them, and the scribes were arguing with them15And soon all the people, seeing Jesus, were astonished and struck with fear, and hurrying to him, they greeted him16And he questioned them, "What are you arguing about among yourselves?17And one from the crowd responded by saying: "Teacher, I have brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit18And whenever it takes hold of him, it throws him down, and he foams and gnashes with his teeth, and he becomes unconscious. And I asked your disciples to cast him out, and they could not.19And answering them, he said: "O unbelieving generation, how long must I be with you? How long shall I endure you? Bring him to me.20And they brought him. And when he had seen him, immediately the spirit disturbed him. And having been thrown to the ground, he rolled around foaming21And he questioned his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" But he said: "From infancy22And often it casts him into fire or into water, in order to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, help us and take pity on us.23But Jesus said to him, "If you are able to believe: all things are possible to one who believes.24And immediately the father of the boy, crying out with tears, said: "I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.25And when Jesus saw the crowd rushing together, he admonished the unclean spirit, saying to him, "Deaf and mute spirit, I command you, leave him; and do not enter into him anymore.26And crying out, and convulsing him greatly, he departed from him. And he became like one who is dead, so much so that many said, "He is dead.27But Jesus, taking him by the hand, lifted him up. And he arose28And when he had entered into the house, his disciples questioned him privately, "Why were we unable to cast him out?29And he said to them, "This kind is able to be expelled by nothing other than prayer and fasting.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The first reading from James contrasts earthly wisdom, which is marked by jealousy and ambition, with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceful, and fruitful. This heavenly wisdom is not about personal gain but about living in harmony with others and doing good. The Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, overwhelmed by his son’s suffering, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This moment of raw honesty and vulnerability reveals the depth of the father’s faith, even as he acknowledges his own limitations. Jesus responds with compassion and authority, freeing the boy from the spirit’s grip. Afterward, Jesus explains to his disciples that such evils can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.
These readings are connected by the theme of divine power and wisdom. James emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by humility and mercy. Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even when imperfect, is the key to experiencing God’s power. The father’s plea, “Help my unbelief,” is a universal prayer, acknowledging our own limitations while trusting in God’s goodness. Both readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but come from surrendering to God’s will and seeking His grace.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to humility and trust. When we face challenges, we are tempted to rely on our own efforts or worldly wisdom, which often leads to conflict and division. Instead, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, to seek His wisdom, and to trust in His power. Like the father in the Gospel, we can acknowledge our own unbelief and ask for help. This posture of humility and faith opens us to the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us, therefore, strive to live in the wisdom that comes from above, fostering peace, mercy, and good works in our relationships and communities.