Daily Readings - Mon Feb 25 2019
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 encounter two powerful reflections on the nature of wisdom and faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and is beyond human comprehension. It is a gift given to those who love and seek Him, and it is rooted in His eternal and omnipotent will. The author emphasizes that God alone can measure the depths of creation and that His wisdom is present in all His works. This wisdom is not something we can fully grasp on our own; it is a mystery that belongs to God and is revealed to those who humbly acknowledge His sovereignty.
The Gospel reading from Mark provides a vivid illustration of this truth. Jesus encounters a father desperate to save his son from a tormenting spirit. The father’s plea, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief,” captures the tension between faith and doubt. Jesus responds by casting out the spirit, teaching us that true power and healing come not from human effort but from trusting in God’s grace. The disciples’ failure to heal the boy earlier highlights the importance of prayer and fasting—acts of humility and surrender that align our wills with God’s. This story reminds us that faith, even when imperfect, is the foundation for miracles.
Together, these readings call us to trust in God’s wisdom and power, even when we cannot fully understand His ways. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, just like the father in the Gospel. Let us turn to God with humility and faith, acknowledging that His wisdom and grace are beyond our limits. May we learn to surrender our doubts and fears to Him, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through prayer and trust in His providence.