Daily Readings - Fri Feb 01 2019
Hebrews
32But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,33sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.34For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.35Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.37For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;38but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him."39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Mark
26And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.27He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.28The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.29But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."30And he said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.34He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, trust, and the nature of God's Kingdom. The epistle from Hebrews reminds us of the enduring power of faith amidst trials, encouraging us to remain steadfast and patient, trusting in God's promises. The Gospel from Mark presents two parables: the growing seed and the mustard seed, illustrating the Kingdom of God's growth from small beginnings to a flourishing reality.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and trust in God's plan. Hebrews emphasizes perseverance through hardships, highlighting that true faith is not about drawing back but securing our souls through trust. Mark's parables show that the Kingdom of God, though it may start small and grow unnoticed, ultimately becomes a refuge and home for many. This mirrors how our faith, though it may begin humbly, can grow into something extraordinary.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace patience and trust in God's timing. Just as the seed grows without our full understanding, our faith can develop in ways we may not see immediately. Let us remain steadfast, trusting that God's promises will unfold, and nurture our faith so it may grow into a shelter of grace and love for others.