Daily Readings - Thu Feb 01 2024
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's providence. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial wisdom to his son Solomon. David's instructions are not merely political or practical but deeply spiritual, urging Solomon to remain faithful to God's ways and to lead with integrity. This passage emphasizes the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the Twelve Apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are striking: they are to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision rather than relying on material comforts or security. This mission is not just about action but about trust and surrender.
The readings are connected by the theme of trust in God's plan and the call to live with simplicity and faith. In 1 Kings, David's trust in God's promise sustains him as he hands over the reins to Solomon. In Mark, Jesus challenges the disciples to trust in God's providence, even when they are sent out with nothing but a staff. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not about control or self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His timing and provision. Both David and the disciples are called to step into unknown territories, but they are not alone; they are accompanied by God's grace and promises.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. Where do we struggle with trust? Are we holding onto control or material security? The readings call us to embrace simplicity and to trust in God's plan, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether we are leaders or ordinary disciples, we are all called to live with faith, integrity, and reliance on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to let go of what I think I need to control and instead trust in God's provision? Am I living in a way that reflects my belief in His faithfulness? May we, like David and the disciples, step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us as we fulfill our mission in the world.