Daily Readings - Mon May 21 2018
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Mark
14And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them.15And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.16And he asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?"17And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.18And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able."19And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me."20And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.21And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."23And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible for one who believes."24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."26And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead."27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.28And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"29And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The first reading from James contrasts earthly wisdom, which is marked by jealousy and ambition, with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceful, and fruitful. This heavenly wisdom is not about personal gain but about living in harmony with others and doing good. The Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, overwhelmed by his son’s suffering, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This moment of raw honesty and vulnerability reveals the depth of the father’s faith, even as he acknowledges his own limitations. Jesus responds with compassion and authority, freeing the boy from the spirit’s grip. Afterward, Jesus explains to his disciples that such evils can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.
These readings are connected by the theme of divine power and wisdom. James emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by humility and mercy. Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even when imperfect, is the key to experiencing God’s power. The father’s plea, “Help my unbelief,” is a universal prayer, acknowledging our own limitations while trusting in God’s goodness. Both readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but come from surrendering to God’s will and seeking His grace.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to humility and trust. When we face challenges, we are tempted to rely on our own efforts or worldly wisdom, which often leads to conflict and division. Instead, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, to seek His wisdom, and to trust in His power. Like the father in the Gospel, we can acknowledge our own unbelief and ask for help. This posture of humility and faith opens us to the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us, therefore, strive to live in the wisdom that comes from above, fostering peace, mercy, and good works in our relationships and communities.