Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2020
1 Kings
1Now the days of David had drawn near, so that he would die, and he instructed his son Solomon, saying2"I am entering the way of all the earth. Be strengthened and be a good man3And observe the care of the Lord your God, so that you walk in his ways, so that you care for his ceremonies, and his precepts, and judgments, and testimonies, just as it is written in the law of Moses. So may you understand everything that you do, in any direction that you may turn yourself4So may the Lord confirm his words, which he has spoken about me, saying: ‘If your sons will guard their ways, and if they will walk before me in truth, with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not be taken away from you a man on the throne of Israel.10And so, David slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David11Now the days during which David reigned over Israel are forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron, thirty-three in Jerusalem12Then Solomon sat upon the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was strengthened exceedingly
Mark
7And he called the twelve. And he began to send them out in twos, and he gave them authority over unclean spirits8And he instructed them not to take anything for the journey, except a staff: no traveling bag, no bread, and no money belt9but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics10And he said to them: "Whenever you have entered into a house, stay there until you depart from that place11And whoever will neither receive you, nor listen to you, as you go away from there, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.12And going out, they were preaching, so that people would repent13And they cast out many demons, and they anointed many of the sick with oil and healed them
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and mission. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial instructions to his son Solomon. David's words are a testament to the importance of faith and leadership, urging Solomon to follow God's laws and lead with integrity. This passage marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as the mantle of leadership passes to Solomon, emphasizing the enduring covenant between God and David's lineage. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are stark: they are to travel simply, without material comforts, relying solely on God's providence. This mission embodies the essence of trust and humility, as the apostles embark on their journey with faith, not fear.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme of trust in divine providence. David's trust in God's promise for Solomon's reign mirrors the apostles' trust in Jesus' mission. Both narratives highlight the importance of humility and faith in fulfilling one's calling. For David, it is the trust that Solomon will uphold God's ways; for the apostles, it is the trust that God will provide as they spread His message. This interplay underscores that true leadership and service are rooted in surrendering to God's will, rather than relying on human strength or resources.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Solomon, we may face significant responsibilities, and like the apostles, we may be called to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength lies not in what we possess, but in our willingness to rely on God. Whether in leadership or in everyday challenges, we are called to live with humility and simplicity, trusting that God will provide the grace and wisdom we need. Let us embrace this call with faith, knowing that our efforts, when rooted in trust and obedience, bear fruit that endures.