Daily Readings - Sat Feb 05 2022
1 Kings
4And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.5At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you."6And Solomon said, "You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day.7And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in.8And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude.9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.11And God said to him, "Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,12behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.13I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days.
Mark
30The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.31And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.32And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.33Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.34When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and leadership. The first reading from 1 Kings 3:4-13 presents Solomon, the newly appointed king, who seeks wisdom from God. Recognizing his limitations, Solomon humbly asks for a discerning heart to lead God's people justly. God, pleased with Solomon's request, grants him not only wisdom but also wealth and glory. This passage underscores the importance of humility and seeking divine guidance in leadership.
The Gospel reading from Mark 6:30-34 shifts our focus to Jesus and His disciples. After a busy period of ministry, Jesus encourages the disciples to rest in a deserted place. However, their solitude is short-lived as crowds gather, and Jesus, with compassion, teaches them. This scene highlights the balance between rest and service, reminding us that even in rest, we are called to be attentive to the needs of others.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own approach to life and faith. Like Solomon, we are called to seek wisdom and humility, recognizing our need for God's guidance. Like Jesus, we are reminded to trust in God's plan, even when our plans are interrupted. In our daily lives, let us embrace moments of rest to rejuvenate and listen to God's voice, while also being compassionate and present to those around us. May we prioritize spiritual growth and service, trusting that God will provide the wisdom and strength we need.