Daily Readings - Sun Sep 16 2018
Isaiah
5The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward.6I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.7But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.8He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.9Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.
James
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?15If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,16and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Mark
27And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?"28And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets."29And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."30And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.31And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.32And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."34And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.35For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faith, action, and self-sacrifice, each weaving together to guide us in our spiritual journey. The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, embodies unwavering trust in God amidst suffering, accepting his mission with courage. This trust is rooted in his deep faith, teaching us that true faith is not about avoiding challenges but facing them with confidence in God's plan.
The second reading from James emphasizes that faith must be alive through our actions. James challenges us to move beyond mere belief and to express our faith through tangible works. This call to action reminds us that our faith should transform how we live, compelling us to serve others and act with compassion, just as Isaiah did in fulfilling his prophetic mission.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals His identity and destiny. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is met with Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross. This passage invites us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Christ, understanding that discipleship involves embracing challenges and sacrifices. Jesus' example shows us that true love and service require us to put others first, even when it is difficult.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How are we living out our faith? Are we merely spectators, or are we actively engaged in serving others? Let us embrace the call to live out our faith with courage and selflessness, trusting in God's providence, just as Isaiah did. May we, like Jesus, be willing to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, following Him faithfully. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become His hands and heart in the world.