Daily Readings - Sun Feb 25 2024

¹After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I."²He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."⁹When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.¹⁰Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.¹¹But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I."¹²He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."¹³And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.¹⁵And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven¹⁶and said, "By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,¹⁷I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies,¹⁸and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

Romans

Chapter 8

³¹What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?³²He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?³³Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.³⁴Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Mark

Chapter 9

²And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,³and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.⁴And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.⁵And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."⁶For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.⁷And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."⁸And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.⁹And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.¹⁰So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about faith, trust, and divine revelation. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Abraham and Isaac, a seminal test of faith where Abraham's unwavering obedience to God is rewarded. This narrative underscores the theme of trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The second reading from Romans, written by Paul, reassures us of God's unwavering support, emphasizing that if God is for us, no adversity can prevail against us. This passage highlights the triumph of Christ's love and the strength it provides believers. The Gospel from Mark describes the Transfiguration, a moment where Jesus' divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John, reinforcing their faith and preparing them for the challenges ahead. These readings are intricately connected, each illuminating aspects of faith and trust. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac exemplifies the faith that underpins Christian belief, while Paul's words in Romans elaborate on the assurance and support believers receive from God. The Transfiguration in Mark serves as a visual affirmation of Jesus' divine nature, urging the disciples—and us—to listen to and follow Him. Together, they remind us that faith is not passive but active, requiring us to trust and obey God's will, even when it's challenging. Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are encouraged to trust God in all circumstances, just as Abraham did. The Romans passage reminds us to lean on God's love and support during trials, knowing that Christ's intercession strengthens us. The Transfiguration invites us to focus on Jesus, seeking His guidance and comfort, especially in difficult times. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God lead to strength and understanding of His plan. Just as Abraham and the disciples found sustenance in their faith, we too can find comfort and guidance by trusting in God and heeding His Word. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to transform our lives and deepen our relationship with Him.