Daily Readings - Sat Feb 01 2025
Hebrews
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.2For by it the people of old received their commendation.8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.9By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.11By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.12Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.13These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.14For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.15If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,18of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."19He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Mark
35On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side."36And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.38But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"39And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"41And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we delve into the essence of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews 11 highlights the unwavering faith of Abraham and Sarah, who trusted God's promises despite the uncertainties and challenges they faced. Their story reminds us that faith is not about seeing the immediate results but trusting in God's plan, even when the future is unclear. The second reading from Mark 4 presents a dramatic scene where Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His divine authority and prompting the disciples to reflect on their own faith.
The context of these readings is significant. Hebrews 11 is part of a chapter often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," where the author illustrates the lives of those who trusted God without receiving the fullness of His promises in their lifetimes. This emphasizes the long-term nature of faith. In Mark 4, the story of Jesus calming the storm occurs during His ministry, showcasing His power and teaching the disciples about trust in the face of adversity.
Both readings intertwine the theme of faith, though in different contexts. Hebrews focuses on enduring faith over time, while Mark's narrative captures a moment of crisis where faith is tested. Together, they teach us that faith is both a steady journey and a response to immediate challenges. In our daily lives, we face our own "storms," whether personal struggles or broader uncertainties. These readings encourage us to trust God, just as the patriarchs and the disciples did, even when the outcome is unclear.
The moral lesson here is clear: faith is our anchor in turbulent times. Just as Abraham and Sarah trusted God's promises and the disciples learned to trust Jesus, we too can find peace by deepening our faith. Let us embrace the journey of faith, trusting in God's plan and authority, even when the path ahead seems daunting.