Daily Readings - Tue Feb 16 2021
Genesis
5The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.6And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.7So the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them."8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
1Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.2Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate,3and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.4For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground."5And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.10And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.
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 encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, judgment, and spiritual understanding. The first reading from Genesis describes God's sorrow over humanity's corruption, leading to the decision to send a flood. Yet, amidst this judgment, Noah finds grace and is commissioned to build an ark, becoming an instrument of salvation. This passage underscores the themes of divine mercy and the importance of righteousness in the face of wickedness.
The Gospel from Mark shifts our focus to Jesus, who warns his disciples against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod," symbolizing hypocrisy and worldly influences. Despite the miracles they witnessed, the disciples struggle with understanding, prompting Jesus to question their faith. This exchange highlights the challenge of moving beyond superficial concerns to embrace deeper spiritual truths.
Together, these readings remind us to trust in God's plan and seek spiritual growth. Just as Noah's faith led to salvation, our trust in God can guide us through life's challenges. We are called to avoid corruption and hypocrisy, instead striving for a profound understanding of God's will. In our daily lives, may we embrace this call, deepening our faith and seeking a closer relationship with God, just as Noah and the disciples were called to do.