Daily Readings - Mon Feb 24 2020
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Mark
14And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them.15And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.16And he asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?"17And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.18And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able."19And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me."20And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.21And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.22And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."23And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible for one who believes."24Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"25And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."26And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead."27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.28And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"29And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of wisdom and faith, each highlighting the necessity of divine grace in our lives. James 3:13-18 distinguishes between earthly wisdom, marked by bitterness and envy, and heavenly wisdom, characterized by peace, meekness, and mercy. This wisdom is not just intellectual but transformative, leading to good deeds done in humility.
In Mark 9:14-29, we witness a powerful example of faith in action. A father, desperate for his son's healing, approaches Jesus after the disciples fail. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, stating that belief can move mountains. The father's honest cry, "I do believe, help my unbelief," exemplifies the human condition—acknowledging our limited faith while seeking God's grace. Jesus heals the boy, teaching that some spiritual challenges require prayer and fasting, beyond superficial efforts.
These readings connect by illustrating that true wisdom and power come from God. James shows that wisdom leads to harmonious living, while Mark demonstrates that faith, supported by spiritual discipline, can overcome even the most daunting challenges. In our daily lives, this means trusting God in difficult times, engaging in persistent prayer, and living with the humility that recognizes our need for divine grace. Let us deepen our faith and spiritual practices, remembering that true strength and wisdom flow from God alone.