Daily Readings - Tue Feb 18 2020
James
12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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 are invited to reflect on the nature of temptation, the importance of spiritual discernment, and the call to trust in God’s providence. The first reading from James reminds us that temptation does not come from God but from our own desires. James encourages us to remain faithful during trials, for it is through perseverance that we grow in holiness. He also reminds us that every good gift comes from God, who is the Father of lights, unchanging and eternal. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus cautioning his disciples against the “leaven of the Pharisees and Herod,” a metaphor for the corrupting influence of hypocrisy and worldly power. Jesus then rebukes the disciples for their lack of faith and understanding, reminding them of the miracles of the loaves, which should have strengthened their trust in his divine providence.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian experience. James writes to a community facing various trials, urging them to remain steadfast and to recognize the source of sin and temptation within themselves. Mark’s Gospel, on the other hand, captures a moment when the disciples are still learning to trust Jesus beyond their immediate physical needs. Their forgetfulness of the miraculous provision of bread reveals a deeper spiritual blindness, which Jesus addresses by calling them to greater faith and understanding.
Both readings relate to each other in their emphasis on spiritual awareness and trust in God. James warns us against the internal temptations that can lead us astray, while Mark’s Gospel highlights the importance of discerning the subtle influences of the world and placing our trust in God’s plan. Together, they call us to live with integrity, avoiding the hypocrisy and corruption that can seep into our lives, and to trust in God’s goodness and providence, even when we face uncertainty or scarcity.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to examine our own desires and the influences that shape our choices. Let us ask ourselves: What are the “leaven” influences in my life that pull me away from God? Do I trust in God’s plan, even when I feel lacking or uncertain? James reminds us that every good gift comes from God, so let us cultivate gratitude for the blessings we receive and remain vigilant against the temptations that arise from our own desires. May we, like the disciples, learn to see beyond the physical and trust in the divine plan, remembering that God always provides, even when we do not see it immediately.