Daily Readings - Thu Jun 07 2018

2 Timothy

8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Mark

28And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?29And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:30And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.31And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.32And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:33And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.34And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith and love. The second reading from 2 Timothy reminds us of the importance of enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, despite being chained, remains steadfast in his faith, emphasizing that the Word of God cannot be bound. He encourages Timothy to be a faithful worker, handling the Word of Truth with integrity. This letter serves as a testament to the resilience required in spreading God’s message, even in the face of adversity. In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus engages with a scribe, outlining the greatest commandments: loving God with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This exchange highlights the essence of our faith, which is rooted in love. The scribe’s positive response earns Jesus’ praise, indicating that understanding and living these commandments brings us closer to the Kingdom of God. These readings intertwine the themes of faithfulness and love. Paul’s perseverance in the face of hardship mirrors Jesus’ teachings on love. Both emphasize commitment to our faith and compassion towards others. In our daily lives, this means standing firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, and expressing love through our actions. Whether it’s a kind gesture or standing up for what is right, we reflect God’s love. As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to embody unwavering faith and selfless love. May our actions and commitments be a testament to God’s enduring love, guiding us to live faithfully and compassionately in His light.