Daily Readings - Thu Feb 20 2020
James
1My brothers, within the glorious faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, do not choose to show favoritism toward persons2For if a man has entered your assembly having a gold ring and splendid apparel, and if a poor man has also entered, in dirty clothing3and if you are then attentive to the one who is clothed in excellent apparel, so that you say to him, "You may sit in this good place," but you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit below my footstool,4are you not judging within yourselves, and have you not become judges with unjust thoughts5My most beloved brothers, listen. Has not God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that God has promised to those who love him6But you have dishonored the poor. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you through power? And are not they the ones who drag you to judgment7Are not they the ones who blaspheme the good name which has been invoked over you8So if you perfect the regal law, according to the Scriptures, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," then you do well9But if you show favoritism to persons, then you commit a sin, having been convicted again by the law as transgressors
Mark
27And Jesus departed with his disciples into the towns of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way, he questioned his disciples, saying to them, "Who do men say that I am?28And they answered him by saying: "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others perhaps one of the prophets.29Then he said to them, "Yet truly, who do you say that I am?" Peter responded by saying to him, "You are the Christ.30And he admonished them, not to tell anyone about him31And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and by the high priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again32And he spoke the word openly. And Peter, taking him aside, began to correct him33And turning away and looking at his disciples, he admonished Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan, for you do not prefer the things that are of God, but the things that are of men.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, humility, and discipleship. The first reading from James warns against favoritism, urging us to treat the poor with dignity, as God has chosen them to be rich in faith. James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly in how we love and respect all people, regardless of their status. The Gospel from Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals his impending suffering and resurrection. Peter's resistance highlights the human struggle to accept God's plan, but Jesus emphasizes the necessity of embracing the cross, teaching us that true discipleship requires self-denial and trust in divine providence.
Both readings intertwine themes of faith and discipleship, challenging us to live out our beliefs authentically. James calls us to recognize God's presence in the marginalized, while Mark's Gospel invites us to embrace the cross, understanding that our struggles contribute to a greater purpose. Together, they remind us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a commitment to humility and service.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to reflect on how we treat others and our willingness to carry our own crosses. Let us strive to love without favoritism and trust in God's plan, even when it is difficult. May we embrace humility and faith, recognizing that our struggles can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper union with Christ.