Daily Readings - Tue Feb 15 2022
James
12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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 profound lessons about temptation, perception, and trust in God's providence. The first reading from James reminds us that temptation arises not from God but from our own desires, which can lead to sin and death. James encourages us to recognize that every good gift comes from God, who is unchanging and true. The Gospel from Mark finds the disciples preoccupied with their lack of bread, prompting Jesus to warn them against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod," urging them to trust in God's provision and to seek spiritual understanding beyond material concerns.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our spiritual perception. James calls us to discern the true source of temptation and to seek God's wisdom, while Mark's Gospel highlights the disciples' limited vision and Jesus' call to deeper faith. These passages remind us that our struggles with sin and doubt are not about external circumstances but about the state of our hearts. Just as the disciples needed to move beyond their focus on bread, we must look beyond our immediate worries and trust in God's plan.
In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I allowing my desires to lead me astray? How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence? Let us seek to grow in spiritual awareness, remembering that every good gift comes from God, and that true life is found in following His will. May we, like the disciples, learn to see beyond the surface and to trust in the Lord who provides for us in ways we cannot yet understand.