Daily Readings - Thu Feb 01 2018
1 Kings
1Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,2I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;3And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.10So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.11And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.12Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
Mark
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we witness significant moments of transition and mission. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts David's final instructions to his son Solomon, emphasizing the importance of following God's laws and trusting in His providence. This passage marks the end of David's reign and the beginning of Solomon's, highlighting the transfer of leadership and the enduring promise of God's presence. The Gospel from Mark depicts Jesus sending out the twelve apostles, equipping them with authority and instructing them to travel lightly, relying solely on God's provision. Their mission is fruitful, as they preach, heal, and cast out demons, demonstrating the power of faith and obedience.
Both readings share a common theme of trust in God's plan. David's charge to Solomon and Jesus' commission to the apostles illustrate the importance of faith in divine guidance. Each leader entrusts their successors with a mission, emphasizing reliance on God rather than material possessions or personal strength. This trust is not passive; it requires active engagement with God's will, as seen in the apostles' boldness in their mission.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like the apostles, we are called to live simply and courageously, sharing the Gospel with others. Whether in our personal or professional lives, we are challenged to trust in God's provision and to be faithful stewards of the missions entrusted to us. Let us embrace this call with humility and confidence, knowing that God's grace will sustain us as we strive to live according to His will.