Daily Readings - Fri Feb 21 2020
James
14My brothers, what benefit is there if someone claims to have faith, but he does not have works? How would faith be able to save him15So if a brother or sister is naked and daily in need of food16and if anyone of you were to say to them: "Go in peace, keep warm and nourished," and yet not give them the things that are necessary for the body, of what benefit is this17Thus even faith, if it does not have works, is dead, in and of itself18Now someone may say: "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works! But I will show you my faith by means of works19You believe that there is one God. You do well. But the demons also believe, and they tremble greatly20So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead21Was not our father Abraham justified by means of works, by offering his son Isaac upon the altar22Do you see that faith was cooperating with his works, and that by means of works faith was brought to fulfillment23And so the Scripture was fulfilled which says: "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice." And so he was called the friend of God24Do you see that a man is justified by means of works, and not by faith alone26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead
Mark
34And calling together the crowd with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone chooses to follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me35For whoever will have chosen to save his life, will lose it. But whoever will have lost his life, for my sake and for the Gospel, shall save it36For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, and yet causes harm to his soul37Or, what will a man give in exchange for his soul38For whoever has been ashamed of me and of my words, among this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also will be ashamed of him, when he will arrive in the glory of his Father, with the holy Angels.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the dynamic relationship between faith and action. The Epistle of James challenges us to move beyond mere belief, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through our deeds. James illustrates this by contrasting a faith that is inactive with one that is alive, using the example of Abraham, whose actions confirmed his faith. This teaching underscores that faith without works is incomplete, much like a body without a spirit.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus expands on this theme by discussing the nature of discipleship. He calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross, illustrating that true commitment requires sacrifice. Jesus warns against valuing worldly gains over spiritual well-being, highlighting that our actions must reflect our priorities. This teaching aligns with James' message, as both emphasize that our faith must be evident in our actions and choices.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to examine how we live out our faith. It is not enough to profess belief; we must actively serve and love others, embodying Christ's teachings. The moral lesson here is clear: faith must be paired with works, and discipleship requires sacrifice. Let us strive to live out our faith with integrity, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to follow Christ, even when it demands self-denial.