Daily Readings - Fri Feb 07 2020
Sirach
2And just as fat is separated from meat, so was David separated from the sons of Israel3He played with lions, as if with lambs, and he acted similarly with bears, as if they were lambs of the flock, in his youth4Did he not kill the giant, and take away the reproach from his people5By lifting up his hand, with a stone in a sling, he threw down the boasting of Goliath6For he called upon the Almighty Lord, and he swore with his right hand to take away the mighty man of war, and to exalt the horn of his people7So he glorified him amid ten thousand, and he praised him with the blessings of the Lord, by offering him a crown of glory8For he crushed the enemies on every side, and he eradicated his adversaries, the Philistines, even to this day. He broke their horn, even for all time9In all his works, he gave thanks to the Holy One, to the Most High, with words of glory10With all his heart, he praised the Lord and he loved God, who made him and who gave him power against his enemies11And he appointed singers to stand opposite the altar, and by their voices he provided sweet music
Mark
14And king Herod heard of it, (for his name had become well-known) and he said: "John the Baptist has risen again from the dead, and because of this, miracles are at work in him.15But others were saying, "Because it is Elijah." Still others were saying, "Because he is a prophet, like one of the prophets.16When Herod had heard it, he said, "John whom I beheaded, the same has risen again from the dead.17For Herod himself had sent to capture John, and had chained him in prison, because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip; for he had married her18For John was saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.19Now Herodias was devising treachery against him; and she wanted to kill him, but she was unable20For Herod was apprehensive of John, knowing him to be a just and holy man, and so he guarded him. And he heard that he was accomplishing many things, and so he listened to him willingly21And when an opportune time had arrived, Herod held a feast on his birthday, with the leaders, and the tribunes, and the first rulers of Galilee22And when the daughter of the same Herodias had entered, and danced, and pleased Herod, along with those who were at table with him, the king said to the girl, "Request from me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.23And he swore to her, "Anything that you request, I will give to you, even up to half my kingdom.24And when she had gone out, she said to her mother, "What shall I request?" But her mother said, "The head of John the Baptist.25And immediately, when she had entered with haste to the king, she petitioned him, saying: "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.26And the king was greatly saddened. But because of his oath, and because of those who were sitting with him at table, he was not willing to disappoint her27So, having sent an executioner, he instructed that his head be brought on a platter28And he beheaded him in prison, and he brought his head on a platter. And he gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it her mother29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and they placed it in a tomb
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, integrity, and the consequences of our choices. The first reading from Sirach presents David as a model of trust in God, highlighting his victories and his unwavering gratitude. David’s story reminds us that true strength comes not from human prowess but from reliance on the Almighty. The Gospel, however, shifts our focus to a darker tale of power, manipulation, and tragedy. Mark’s account of John the Baptist’s execution reveals the dangers of unchecked ambition and the cost of speaking truth to power. Herod, swayed by fear and pride, allows his oath and public image to lead him to a horrific act, while John remains steadfast in his convictions, even in the face of death.
These readings, though seemingly disparate, are connected by the theme of faith under trial. David’s trust in God and John’s martyrdom both illustrate how faith shapes our responses to challenges. David’s victories were not just military triumphs but spiritual ones, as he continually acknowledged God’s hand in his life. Similarly, John’s unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of death, stands as a testament to the power of faith. Both stories remind us that faith is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage and integrity.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own commitments and values. Are we willing to stand by our principles, even when it is uncomfortable or costly? Do we, like David, cultivate a habit of gratitude and trust in God’s providence? John’s martyrdom, in particular, invites us to reflect on the importance of speaking truth in a world often driven by power and self-interest. As we navigate our own trials, may we draw strength from these examples, remembering that true greatness lies not in power or prestige but in fidelity to God and the courage to live according to His will.