Daily Readings - Fri Jan 28 2022
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 distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of growth and responsibility. The first reading from 2 Samuel 11 presents King David, a man of great faith, succumbing to temptation and sin. His actions, though hidden, lead to a chain of events that reveal the profound consequences of our choices. This story reminds us that even the righteous can falter, and that sin, if unchecked, can lead to harm and destruction.
The Gospel reading from Mark 4 offers a contrasting perspective with two parables about the kingdom of God. The parable of the growing seed illustrates how growth can occur even without our full understanding, much like how God's kingdom unfolds in ways both seen and unseen. The mustard seed parable highlights the potential for small beginnings to yield significant outcomes, emphasizing faith and trust in God's plan.
Together, these readings invite us to consider the dual nature of growth—both the destructive potential of unchecked sin and the transformative power of faith. Just as David's actions led to negative consequences, our choices can either hinder or enhance our spiritual growth. The parables encourage us to nurture our faith, allowing it to flourish like the mustard seed, providing shelter and sustenance for others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us examine our own lives. Are there areas where we allow sin to take root, leading to harm? Or are we cultivating the soil of our hearts, allowing God's kingdom to grow within us? Let us strive to align our actions with God's will, embracing the growth that leads to life and flourishing, rather than decay and regret.