Daily Readings - Mon Feb 20 2023
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
The first reading from Sirach reminds us that all wisdom comes from God, who is the Creator and the source of all understanding. It emphasizes that true wisdom is not just human knowledge but a divine gift that flows from God’s eternal and omnipotent nature. The reading invites us to recognize God’s presence in all creation and to seek wisdom through humility and reverence.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, desperate and struggling with doubt, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This heartfelt plea reflects the human condition—our desire to trust in God’s power, even when we feel limited by our own faith. Jesus’ response highlights the importance of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual struggles, teaching us that some challenges require deeper devotion and reliance on God.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s power and wisdom. Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, while Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even imperfect faith, can move mountains when we turn to God in prayer. In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenges that test our faith, but these readings encourage us to approach them with humility, persistence, and trust in God’s providence. Let us seek wisdom by drawing closer to God and remember that even in our doubts, God’s grace can transform us.