Daily Readings - Mon Feb 21 2022
James
13Who is wise and well-taught among you? Let him show, by means of good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom14But if you hold a bitter zeal, and if there is contention in your hearts, then do not boast and do not be liars against the truth15For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical16For wherever envy and contention is, there too is inconstancy and every depraved work17But within the wisdom that is from above, certainly, chastity is first, and next peacefulness, meekness, openness, consenting to what is good, a plenitude of mercy and good fruits, not judging, without falseness18And so the fruit of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace
Mark
14And approaching his disciples, he saw a great crowd surrounding them, and the scribes were arguing with them15And soon all the people, seeing Jesus, were astonished and struck with fear, and hurrying to him, they greeted him16And he questioned them, "What are you arguing about among yourselves?17And one from the crowd responded by saying: "Teacher, I have brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit18And whenever it takes hold of him, it throws him down, and he foams and gnashes with his teeth, and he becomes unconscious. And I asked your disciples to cast him out, and they could not.19And answering them, he said: "O unbelieving generation, how long must I be with you? How long shall I endure you? Bring him to me.20And they brought him. And when he had seen him, immediately the spirit disturbed him. And having been thrown to the ground, he rolled around foaming21And he questioned his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" But he said: "From infancy22And often it casts him into fire or into water, in order to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, help us and take pity on us.23But Jesus said to him, "If you are able to believe: all things are possible to one who believes.24And immediately the father of the boy, crying out with tears, said: "I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.25And when Jesus saw the crowd rushing together, he admonished the unclean spirit, saying to him, "Deaf and mute spirit, I command you, leave him; and do not enter into him anymore.26And crying out, and convulsing him greatly, he departed from him. And he became like one who is dead, so much so that many said, "He is dead.27But Jesus, taking him by the hand, lifted him up. And he arose28And when he had entered into the house, his disciples questioned him privately, "Why were we unable to cast him out?29And he said to them, "This kind is able to be expelled by nothing other than prayer and fasting.
Sermon
**Sermon: The Wisdom of Faith and Compassion**
In today's readings, we reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The Epistle of James reminds us that wisdom is not about earthly knowledge or earthly gains but is pure, peaceful, gentle, and merciful. It is a wisdom that comes from above, manifesting in our actions through humility and compassion. James contrasts this with earthly wisdom, which is marked by envy and contention, leading only to disorder and chaos.
The Gospel from Mark illustrates this wisdom in action through the story of a father seeking healing for his son. The father's plea to Jesus, despite his doubts, shows a mix of faith and human frailty. Jesus's response, healing the boy and later emphasizing the need for prayer and fasting, teaches us that true wisdom is rooted in faith and spiritual discipline. The father's cry, "I do believe, help my unbelief," is a heartfelt expression of trust in God's power despite personal limitations.
As we apply these readings to our lives, we are called to seek wisdom through prayer and humble service. Just as the father's persistent faith led to healing, our own faith, even when wavering, can lead us to deeper trust in God. Let us embrace the wisdom from above by living with compassion and meekness, and may our faith guide us in times of doubt, leading us to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.