Daily Readings - Fri Jun 02 2023
Mark
11And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.12On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.13And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.14And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.15And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.16And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.17And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."18And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching.19And when evening came they went out of the city.20As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.21And Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered."22And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.23Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.25And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith, the importance of integrity, and the call to live in a way that honors God and benefits others. In the first reading from Sirach, we hear about the legacy of those who lived virtuous lives, leaving behind a name that endures because of their mercy and faithfulness. Their good deeds, rooted in a deep trust in God, continue to bear fruit in their descendants and in the world. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences and that living a life of integrity and compassion can leave a lasting impact.
In the Gospel, Mark presents two powerful scenes: Jesus cleansing the temple and cursing the fig tree. The temple, meant to be a house of prayer, had become a place of exploitation and greed. Jesus’ action is a call to reclaim sacred spaces and to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. The fig tree, which appeared promising but bore no fruit, serves as a warning against spiritual barrenness. Jesus then teaches his disciples about the power of faith and forgiveness, emphasizing that our relationship with God must be rooted in trust and reconciliation.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we bearing fruit that reflects our faith? Are we living in a way that honors God and serves others? Like the ancestors praised in Sirach, we are called to live with mercy and integrity. Like the disciples, we are reminded that faith can move mountains, but it must be accompanied by forgiveness and humility. Let us strive to create a legacy of love and trust in God, and may our lives be fruitful in ways that glorify Him and bless those around us.