Daily Readings - Mon Feb 24 2025
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
In today's readings, we explore the themes of divine wisdom and the power of faith. The Book of Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, present in all creation, and a treasure bestowed upon those who love Him. This wisdom is not merely knowledge but a deep understanding that guides our actions and decisions. In the Gospel of Mark, we witness a father's plea for his afflicted son, highlighting the interplay between faith and doubt. Despite the disciples' inability to heal the boy, Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of faith, teaching us that some challenges require prayer and fasting.
The context of Sirach is rooted in wisdom literature, emphasizing that true wisdom is divine in origin. Mark's Gospel, set amidst Jesus' ministry, underscores the necessity of faith in overcoming adversity. These readings connect by illustrating that wisdom and faith are intertwined, with wisdom guiding us to trust in God's power, especially when we feel inadequate.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to approach challenges with faith, recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's strength. Just as the father acknowledged his doubt yet sought Jesus, we too can admit our weaknesses and rely on God's grace. The moral lesson here is the importance of humility and faith. Wisdom is not self-sufficient knowledge but a trust in God's providence, leading us to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. Through prayer and fasting, we align ourselves with God's will, finding the strength to overcome even the most daunting trials.