Daily Readings - Fri Jan 31 2020
2 Samuel
1Now it happened that, at the turn of the year, in the time when kings usually go forth to war, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all of Israel, and they laid waste to the sons of Ammon, and they besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem2While these things were taking place, David happened to arise from his bed after midday, and he walked upon the terrace of the king’s house. And he saw, across from his terrace, a woman washing herself. And the woman was very beautiful3Therefore, the king sent and inquired who the woman might be. And it was reported to him that she was Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah, the Hittite4And so, David sent messengers, and he took her. And when she had entered to him, he slept with her. And presently, she was purified from her uncleanness5And she returned to her house, having conceived an unborn child. And sending, she informed David, and she said, "I have conceived.6Then David sent to Joab, saying, "Send me Uriah, the Hittite." And Joab sent Uriah to David7And Uriah went to David. And David inquired whether Joab was doing well, and about the people, and how the war was being conducted8And David said to Uriah, "Go into your house, and wash your feet." And Uriah departed from the house of the king. And a meal from the king followed after him9But Uriah slept before the gate of the king’s house, with the other servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his own house10And it was reported to David by some, saying, "Uriah did not go into his house." And David said to Uriah: "Did you not arrive from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?13And David called him, so that he might eat and drink before him, and he made him inebriated. And departing in the evening, he slept on his bedding, with the servants of his lord, and he did not go down to his own house14Therefore, when morning arrived, David wrote a letter to Joab. And he sent it by the hand of Uriah15writing in the letter: "Place Uriah opposite the warfare, where the battle is the strongest, and then abandon him, so that, having been wounded, he may die.16And so, when Joab was besieging the city, he positioned Uriah in the place where he knew the strongest men to be17And the men, departing from the city, made war against Joab. And some of the people among the servants of David fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died
Mark
26And he said: "The kingdom of God is like this: it is as if a man were to cast seed on the land27And he sleeps and he arises, night and day. And the seed germinates and grows, though he does not know it28For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear29And when the fruit has been produced, immediately he sends out the sickle, because the harvest has arrived.30And he said: "To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or to what parable should we compare it31It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it has been sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds which are in the earth32And when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the plants, and it produces great branches, so much so that the birds of the air are able to live under its shadow.33And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to hear34But he did not speak to them without a parable. Yet separately, he explained all things to his disciples
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two contrasting narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of growth and its implications in our spiritual lives. The first reading from 2 Samuel 11 presents the story of King David, a man of great faith and leadership, who succumbs to sin. His encounter with Bathsheba leads to a series of choices that escalate from adultery to murder, revealing how unchecked sin can grow and dominate one's life. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing sin to take root, emphasizing the importance of accountability and repentance.
The Gospel reading from Mark 4 offers a different perspective on growth through Jesus' parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed. These parables illustrate the kingdom of God's nature—starting small, yet leading to remarkable growth. Just as a seed germinates and flourishes without the farmer's constant intervention, faith can develop quietly yet powerfully within us. The mustard seed, though tiny, becomes a haven for many, symbolizing how even small acts of faith can have a profound impact.
These readings together remind us that growth is a double-edged sword. While sin can grow into something destructive, our faith can also grow into something transformative. The challenge is to nurture the right kind of growth—spiritual growth that leads to a deeper relationship with God. By tending to our faith with prayer, reflection, and good works, we can allow the kingdom of God to flourish within us, just as the mustard seed becomes a shelter for many. Let us be vigilant in uprooting sin and diligent in cultivating a fruitful spiritual life, trusting that God will bring His kingdom to fruition in and through us.