Daily Readings - Thu Feb 01 2024
1 Kings
1Now the days of David had drawn near, so that he would die, and he instructed his son Solomon, saying2"I am entering the way of all the earth. Be strengthened and be a good man3And observe the care of the Lord your God, so that you walk in his ways, so that you care for his ceremonies, and his precepts, and judgments, and testimonies, just as it is written in the law of Moses. So may you understand everything that you do, in any direction that you may turn yourself4So may the Lord confirm his words, which he has spoken about me, saying: ‘If your sons will guard their ways, and if they will walk before me in truth, with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not be taken away from you a man on the throne of Israel.10And so, David slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David11Now the days during which David reigned over Israel are forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron, thirty-three in Jerusalem12Then Solomon sat upon the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was strengthened exceedingly
Mark
7And he called the twelve. And he began to send them out in twos, and he gave them authority over unclean spirits8And he instructed them not to take anything for the journey, except a staff: no traveling bag, no bread, and no money belt9but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics10And he said to them: "Whenever you have entered into a house, stay there until you depart from that place11And whoever will neither receive you, nor listen to you, as you go away from there, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.12And going out, they were preaching, so that people would repent13And they cast out many demons, and they anointed many of the sick with oil and healed them
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's providence. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial wisdom to his son Solomon. David's instructions are not merely political or practical but deeply spiritual, urging Solomon to remain faithful to God's ways and to lead with integrity. This passage emphasizes the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the Twelve Apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are striking: they are to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision rather than relying on material comforts or security. This mission is not just about action but about trust and surrender.
The readings are connected by the theme of trust in God's plan and the call to live with simplicity and faith. In 1 Kings, David's trust in God's promise sustains him as he hands over the reins to Solomon. In Mark, Jesus challenges the disciples to trust in God's providence, even when they are sent out with nothing but a staff. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not about control or self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His timing and provision. Both David and the disciples are called to step into unknown territories, but they are not alone; they are accompanied by God's grace and promises.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. Where do we struggle with trust? Are we holding onto control or material security? The readings call us to embrace simplicity and to trust in God's plan, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether we are leaders or ordinary disciples, we are all called to live with faith, integrity, and reliance on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to let go of what I think I need to control and instead trust in God's provision? Am I living in a way that reflects my belief in His faithfulness? May we, like David and the disciples, step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us as we fulfill our mission in the world.