Daily Readings - Fri Jun 01 2018
1 Peter
7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.9Use hospitality one to another without grudging.10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Mark
11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.12And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.15And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.19And when even was come, he went out of the city.20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live with purpose, faith, and love. In the first reading from 1 Peter, we are reminded that the end of all things is near, urging us to be prudent and vigilant in prayer. Peter emphasizes the importance of mutual love and hospitality, encouraging us to use the gifts we have received to serve one another. This passage is set against the backdrop of early Christian communities facing persecution, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to live virtuously, knowing that their actions have eternal significance.
In the Gospel, Mark presents two powerful scenes: Jesus cleansing the temple and the withering of the fig tree. Jesus’ actions in the temple are a bold declaration of his authority and a call to purity of heart. The fig tree, which bears leaves but no fruit, serves as a parable about the kind of faith that is barren and unproductive. Jesus teaches that true faith is not just about outward appearances but about trusting in God’s power and aligning our wills with His. The withered fig tree becomes a lesson in the transformative power of faith and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.
These readings are deeply connected. Peter’s call to hospitality and stewardship of God’s grace is mirrored in Jesus’ teaching on faith and the need to bear fruit. Both readings challenge us to examine our lives and ensure that our actions reflect our commitment to God. In our daily lives, we are called to be hospitable, to love without complaint, and to trust in God’s providence, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The moral lesson is clear: our faith must be active, rooted in love, and fruitful in service to others. Let us strive to live in such a way that our lives honor God and inspire others to do the same.