Daily Readings - Sat Feb 10 2018
First Reading - 1 Kings 12.26-32; 13.33-34
1 Kings
26And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:27If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.28Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.29And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.30And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.31And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.32And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made.
33After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.34And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.
Gospel - Mark 8.1-10
Mark
1In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,2I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:3And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.4And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?5And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.6And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.7And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.8So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets.9And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.10And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of worship and God's providence. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship, creating golden calves and unauthorized shrines. This act, driven by political motives to prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem, led to widespread sin and the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty. It underscores the consequences of diverting from true worship and the dangers of human-made religion.
The Gospel, from Mark, presents a stark contrast with the story of Jesus feeding four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish. This miracle, a testament to Jesus's divine compassion and power, highlights His role as the true source of nourishment—both physical and spiritual. Unlike Jeroboam's false idols, Jesus provides abundantly, teaching us to trust in God's provision and care.
These readings remind us to examine our own worship and priorities. Just as Jeroboam's actions led the people astray, we must guard against modern "idols" that distract us from true devotion. Jesus's miracle encourages us to seek spiritual nourishment from Him. Let us reflect on our relationship with God, ensuring our worship is directed towards the one true God, and trust in His loving provision for our needs.