Daily Readings - Fri Feb 21 2020
James
14What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?15If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,16and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?17So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.19You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!20Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;23and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God.24You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Mark
34And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.35For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.36For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?37For what can a man give in return for his life?38For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the dynamic relationship between faith and action. The Epistle of James challenges us to move beyond mere belief, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated through our deeds. James illustrates this by contrasting a faith that is inactive with one that is alive, using the example of Abraham, whose actions confirmed his faith. This teaching underscores that faith without works is incomplete, much like a body without a spirit.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus expands on this theme by discussing the nature of discipleship. He calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross, illustrating that true commitment requires sacrifice. Jesus warns against valuing worldly gains over spiritual well-being, highlighting that our actions must reflect our priorities. This teaching aligns with James' message, as both emphasize that our faith must be evident in our actions and choices.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to examine how we live out our faith. It is not enough to profess belief; we must actively serve and love others, embodying Christ's teachings. The moral lesson here is clear: faith must be paired with works, and discipleship requires sacrifice. Let us strive to live out our faith with integrity, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to follow Christ, even when it demands self-denial.