Daily Readings - Wed Jan 31 2024
2 Samuel
2And the king said to Joab, the leader of his army, "Travel through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, so that I may know their number.9Then Joab gave the number of the description of the people to the king. And there were found of Israel eight hundred thousand able-bodied men, who might draw the sword; and of Judah, five hundred thousand fighting men10Then the heart of David struck him, after the people were numbered. And David said to the Lord: "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But I pray that you, O Lord, may take away the iniquity of your servant. For I have acted very foolishly.11And David rose up in the morning, and the word of the Lord went to Gad, the prophet and seer of David, saying12"Go, and say to David: ‘Thus says the Lord: I present to you a choice of three things. Choose one of these, whichever you will, so that I may do it to you.’ 13And when Gad had gone to David, he announced it to him, saying: "Either seven years of famine will come to you in your land; or you will flee for three months from your adversaries, and they will pursue you; or there will be a pestilence in your land for three days. Now then, deliberate, and see what word I may respond to him who sent me.14Then David said to Gad: "I am in great anguish. But it is better that I should fall into the hands of the Lord (for his mercies are many) than into the hands of men.15And the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel, from the morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people, from Dan to Beersheba, seventy thousand men16And when the Angel of the Lord had extended his hand over Jerusalem, so that he might destroy it, the Lord took pity on the affliction. And he said to the Angel who was striking the people: "It is enough. Hold back your hand now." And the Angel of the Lord was beside the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite17And when he had seen the Angel cutting down the people, David said to the Lord: "I am the one who sinned. I have acted iniquitously. These ones who are the sheep, what have they done? I beg you that your hand may be turned against me and against my father’s house.
Mark
1And departing from there, he went away to his own country; and his disciples followed him2And when the Sabbath arrived, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many, upon hearing him, were amazed at his doctrine, saying: "Where did this one get all these things?" and, "What is this wisdom, which has been given to him?" and, "Such powerful deeds, which are wrought by his hands!3"Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? Are not his sisters also here with us?" And they took great offense at him4And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred.5And he was not able to perform any miracles there, except that he cured a few of the infirm by laying his hands on them6And he wondered, because of their unbelief, and he traveled around in the villages, teaching
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the themes of humility, faith, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts King David's decision to take a census of Israel, a act driven by pride and a desire for control. This decision, which Joab wisely questions, leads to a stern rebuke from God. David, recognizing his sin, humbly seeks forgiveness, and though consequences follow, his repentance is met with mercy. This story underscores the importance of acknowledging our limitations and trusting in God's providence rather than our own strength.
The Gospel from Mark presents a different yet complementary scenario. Jesus, teaching in His hometown, faces skepticism and offense from those who know Him as a carpenter. Their familiarity blinds them to His divine mission, highlighting the challenge of receiving grace when it appears in unexpected or humble forms. This passage reminds us that faith requires openness and trust, even when God's work seems ordinary or unremarkable.
Both readings remind us of the dangers of pride and the necessity of humility. Like David, we may sometimes overstep, thinking our plans superior to God's. Similarly, like the people of Nazareth, we might miss the divine in our midst due to our preconceptions. In our daily lives, let us cultivate humility, recognizing our need for God's guidance. May we approach each day with openness, trusting in God's plan and remaining attentive to His presence, even in the most unexpected places.