Daily Readings - Sun Sep 16 2018
Isaiah
5The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.6I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.8He is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who is mine adversary? let him come near to me.9Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
James
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Mark
27And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?28And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.29And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.30And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.31And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.32And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.33But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faith, action, and self-sacrifice, each weaving together to guide us in our spiritual journey. The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, embodies unwavering trust in God amidst suffering, accepting his mission with courage. This trust is rooted in his deep faith, teaching us that true faith is not about avoiding challenges but facing them with confidence in God's plan.
The second reading from James emphasizes that faith must be alive through our actions. James challenges us to move beyond mere belief and to express our faith through tangible works. This call to action reminds us that our faith should transform how we live, compelling us to serve others and act with compassion, just as Isaiah did in fulfilling his prophetic mission.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals His identity and destiny. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is met with Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross. This passage invites us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Christ, understanding that discipleship involves embracing challenges and sacrifices. Jesus' example shows us that true love and service require us to put others first, even when it is difficult.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How are we living out our faith? Are we merely spectators, or are we actively engaged in serving others? Let us embrace the call to live out our faith with courage and selflessness, trusting in God's providence, just as Isaiah did. May we, like Jesus, be willing to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, following Him faithfully. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become His hands and heart in the world.