Daily Readings - Thu Feb 08 2018
First Reading - 1 Kings 11.4-13
1 Kings
4For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.5For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.6And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.7Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.8And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.9And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,10And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.11Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.12Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.13Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.
Gospel - Mark 7.24-30
Mark
24And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.25For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:26The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.27But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.28And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.29And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.30And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persistence, and God’s boundless mercy. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts the story of King Solomon, who, despite his wisdom and divine favor, succumbs to idolatry influenced by his foreign wives. This leads to a fracture in his relationship with God, resulting in the division of his kingdom. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God, even for those who have been greatly blessed.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. Her daughter, tormented by a demon, finds hope in Jesus. Despite initial hesitation, Jesus is moved by her persistence and faith, healing her daughter. This encounter highlights the universality of God’s love, extending beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The woman’s unwavering faith and humility exemplify the kind of trust we are called to embrace.
These readings remind us that faith is not about deserving God’s favors but about trusting in His love. Solomon’s story warns against the idolatries of our modern world—be they materialism, pride, or complacency. The Syro-Phoenician woman teaches us to approach God with humility and persistence, knowing that His mercy is available to all. Let us, therefore, examine our hearts, reject any form of idolatry, and seek God with the same faith and perseverance, trusting in His loving providence.