Daily Readings - Thu Jun 01 2023
Sirach
15And now, I will remember the works of the Lord, and I will announce what I have seen. The words of the Lord are in his works16The sun illuminates and considers all things, and its work shows the fullness of the glory of the Lord17Has not the Lord caused the holy ones to describe all his miracles, which the all-powerful Lord has firmly established in his glory18He has examined the abyss and the hearts of men. And he has considered their astuteness19For the Lord comprehends all knowledge, and he has gazed upon the signs of the times: announcing the things of the past, as well as the things of the future, and revealing the traces of hidden things20No thought passes by him unnoticed, and no word can conceal itself from him21He has adorned the magnificent works of his wisdom. He is before eternity and even unto eternity. And nothing can be added22and nothing can be taken away. And he has no need of any counselor23O how desirable are all his works! And all that we consider is but a spark24All these works exist, and they remain in the present age, and they all obey him in every purpose25All things are two-fold, one facing another, and he has not made anything to be lacking
Mark
46And they went to Jericho. And as he was setting out from Jericho with his disciples and a very numerous multitude, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, a blind man, sat begging beside the way47And when he had heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and to say, "Jesus, Son of David, take pity on me.48And many admonished him to be quiet. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, take pity on me.49And Jesus, standing still, instructed him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying to him: "Be at peace. Arise. He is calling you.50And casting aside his garment, he leapt up and went to him51And in response, Jesus said to him, "What do you want, that I should do for you?" And the blind man said to him, "Master, that I may see.52Then Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has made you whole." And immediately he saw, and he followed him on the way
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the wisdom of God and the power of faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the beauty and order of God's creation, highlighting His wisdom in all that He has made. It encourages us to contemplate the works of the Lord and to recognize His hand in the world around us. The reading emphasizes that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding, yet it is revealed in the intricate details of creation and the mysteries of the human heart.
The Gospel from Mark brings us face to face with the living expression of God's wisdom in Jesus Christ. The story of Bartimaeus, the blind man, shows us the transformative power of faith. Bartimaeus, despite his physical blindness, sees with the eyes of faith. He cries out to Jesus, undeterred by the crowds who try to silence him, and his persistence is rewarded when Jesus restores his sight. This miracle is not just about physical healing; it is a spiritual awakening, a call to see the world and ourselves in a new light.
These readings challenge us to examine our own faith and trust in God. Like Bartimaeus, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but it is precisely in these moments that we are called to cry out to the Lord with persistence and hope. The wisdom of Sirach reminds us that God's plan is always at work, even when we cannot fully understand it. Let us ask for the grace to see beyond our limitations and to trust in God's loving providence. May our faith, like Bartimaeus', lead us to spiritual sight and a deeper union with Christ.