Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2020
1 Kings
1When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying,2"I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,3and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,4that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'10Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.11And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.12So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
Mark
7And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in their belts--9but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.10And he said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.11And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."12So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.13And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and mission. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial instructions to his son Solomon. David's words are a testament to the importance of faith and leadership, urging Solomon to follow God's laws and lead with integrity. This passage marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as the mantle of leadership passes to Solomon, emphasizing the enduring covenant between God and David's lineage. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are stark: they are to travel simply, without material comforts, relying solely on God's providence. This mission embodies the essence of trust and humility, as the apostles embark on their journey with faith, not fear.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme of trust in divine providence. David's trust in God's promise for Solomon's reign mirrors the apostles' trust in Jesus' mission. Both narratives highlight the importance of humility and faith in fulfilling one's calling. For David, it is the trust that Solomon will uphold God's ways; for the apostles, it is the trust that God will provide as they spread His message. This interplay underscores that true leadership and service are rooted in surrendering to God's will, rather than relying on human strength or resources.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Solomon, we may face significant responsibilities, and like the apostles, we may be called to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength lies not in what we possess, but in our willingness to rely on God. Whether in leadership or in everyday challenges, we are called to live with humility and simplicity, trusting that God will provide the grace and wisdom we need. Let us embrace this call with faith, knowing that our efforts, when rooted in trust and obedience, bear fruit that endures.