Daily Readings - Tue Feb 19 2019
Genesis
5The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.6And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.7So the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them."8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
1Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.2Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate,3and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.4For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground."5And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.10And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.
Mark
14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.15And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve."20"And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven."21And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, judgment, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Noah's Ark, a tale of God's sorrow over humanity's wickedness and His decision to send a flood. Yet, amidst this judgment, Noah's righteousness shines through, as he is chosen to preserve life, illustrating God's mercy and plan for salvation. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus cautioning His disciples against the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Herod, using leaven as a metaphor. He then questions their lack of understanding, referencing the miracles of the loaves to emphasize trust in God's provision.
Both readings share a common thread of judgment and salvation. In Genesis, God's judgment is tempered with mercy, as Noah's obedience provides a path to salvation. Similarly, in Mark, Jesus warns against spiritual corruption, urging the disciples to have faith and discernment. The feeding miracles serve as reminders of God's abundance and provision, encouraging the disciples to look beyond physical needs to spiritual truths.
Applying these lessons to our lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Like Noah, we must be vigilant and obedient, ensuring our actions align with God's will. The readings remind us to guard against spiritual corruption and to cultivate faith, recognizing God's presence and provision in our lives. May we, like Noah, find grace through our faith and, like the disciples, grow in understanding and trust in God's divine plan.