Daily Readings - Thu Feb 20 2020
James
1My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.2For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,3and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet,"4have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?5Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?6But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?7Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?8If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well.9But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
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."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, humility, and discipleship. The first reading from James warns against favoritism, urging us to treat the poor with dignity, as God has chosen them to be rich in faith. James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly in how we love and respect all people, regardless of their status. The Gospel from Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals his impending suffering and resurrection. Peter's resistance highlights the human struggle to accept God's plan, but Jesus emphasizes the necessity of embracing the cross, teaching us that true discipleship requires self-denial and trust in divine providence.
Both readings intertwine themes of faith and discipleship, challenging us to live out our beliefs authentically. James calls us to recognize God's presence in the marginalized, while Mark's Gospel invites us to embrace the cross, understanding that our struggles contribute to a greater purpose. Together, they remind us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a commitment to humility and service.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to reflect on how we treat others and our willingness to carry our own crosses. Let us strive to love without favoritism and trust in God's plan, even when it is difficult. May we embrace humility and faith, recognizing that our struggles can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper union with Christ.