Daily Readings - Wed Feb 26 2025
Sirach
11And then you shall be like an obedient son of the Most High, and he will take pity on you more than a mother would12Wisdom breathes life into her sons, and she lifts up those who are seeking her, and she will precede them in the way of justice13And he who loves her loves life. And those who watch for her shall embrace her delights14Those who hold to her will inherit life. And whatever place she enters, God will bless15Those who serve her will yield to what is holy. And God loves those who love wisdom16He who listens to her shall judge the nations. And he who gazes upon her will remain secure17If he believes in her, he will inherit her, and whatever arises from him will be confirmed18For she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginning19She will lead fear and dread and trials over him, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his soul
Mark
38John responded to him by saying, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name; he does not follow us, and so we prohibited him.39But Jesus said: "Do not prohibit him. For there is no one who can act with virtue in my name and soon speak evil about me40For whoever is not against you is for you
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Sirach personifies Wisdom as a wise and nurturing mother who guides her sons on the path of justice and virtue. She promises life, lifts those who seek her, and leads them through trials, testing their thoughts and trusting their souls. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of Wisdom, which requires us to embrace her teachings and endure trials, leading to a deeper trust in God.
The Gospel from Mark presents a scenario where the disciples, including John, are concerned about someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name who is not part of their group. Jesus’ response is both surprising and instructive: He tells them not to hinder the man, for anyone who performs a virtuous act in His name cannot speak ill of Him. This teaching challenges us to recognize that God’s work is not confined to our immediate circle and that we should not limit His grace to those within our group.
These readings remind us to be open to God’s work in the lives of others, regardless of their affiliation. Sirach’s Wisdom and Mark’s Gospel both encourage us to trust in God’s providence and not restrict His work to our own understanding. In our daily lives, this means embracing Wisdom, remaining open to God’s presence in unexpected places, and supporting those who do good in His name. Let us seek Wisdom with love and loyalty, trusting that she will guide us through life’s trials, leading us to deeper trust and spiritual growth.