Daily Readings - Mon May 21 2018
James
13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Mark
14And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.15And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.16And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?17And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;18And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.20And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.21And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.25When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.26And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.28And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?29And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The first reading from James contrasts earthly wisdom, which is marked by jealousy and ambition, with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceful, and fruitful. This heavenly wisdom is not about personal gain but about living in harmony with others and doing good. The Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, overwhelmed by his son’s suffering, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This moment of raw honesty and vulnerability reveals the depth of the father’s faith, even as he acknowledges his own limitations. Jesus responds with compassion and authority, freeing the boy from the spirit’s grip. Afterward, Jesus explains to his disciples that such evils can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.
These readings are connected by the theme of divine power and wisdom. James emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by humility and mercy. Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even when imperfect, is the key to experiencing God’s power. The father’s plea, “Help my unbelief,” is a universal prayer, acknowledging our own limitations while trusting in God’s goodness. Both readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but come from surrendering to God’s will and seeking His grace.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to humility and trust. When we face challenges, we are tempted to rely on our own efforts or worldly wisdom, which often leads to conflict and division. Instead, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, to seek His wisdom, and to trust in His power. Like the father in the Gospel, we can acknowledge our own unbelief and ask for help. This posture of humility and faith opens us to the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us, therefore, strive to live in the wisdom that comes from above, fostering peace, mercy, and good works in our relationships and communities.