Daily Readings - Thu Feb 03 2022
1 Kings
1When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying,2"I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,3and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,4that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.'10Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.11And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.12So Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established.
Mark
7And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in their belts--9but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.10And he said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.11And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."12So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.13And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of faithfulness, trust in God, and living with purpose. In the first reading from 1 Kings, we see David nearing the end of his life, and he takes the opportunity to impart wisdom to his son Solomon. David, who had experienced both triumphs and failures, urges Solomon to remain faithful to God, to walk in His ways, and to observe His laws. This passage highlights the significance of passing on spiritual values and the responsibility of leadership rooted in faith. David’s words are not just practical advice but a spiritual inheritance, ensuring that Solomon’s reign would be blessed by God.
In the Gospel, Mark 6, we see Jesus sending out the Twelve Apostles two by two, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. However, Jesus also instructs them to travel lightly, without extra provisions, relying solely on God’s providence. This teaching emphasizes trust in God and detachment from material comforts. The Apostles are to focus on their mission, not on accumulating possessions or seeking comfort. Their reliance on God’s provision would deepen their faith and remind them that their true strength comes from Him, not from worldly resources.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust and faithfulness. David trusts in God’s promise and passes that trust to Solomon. Jesus teaches the Apostles to trust in God’s care as they carry out their mission. For us today, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Do we rely on Him when we face challenges, or do we turn to worldly solutions? Are we faithful in passing on the values of our faith to others? Let us ask ourselves: Am I living with the kind of detachment and trust that allows me to focus on God’s will? May we, like David and the Apostles, trust in God’s providence and live with hearts fixed on Him.