Daily Readings - Wed Feb 05 2020
2 Samuel
2For the king said to Joab the captain of the host, which was with him, Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.9And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.10And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.11For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,12Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.13So Gad came to David, and told him, and said unto him, Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies, while they pursue thee? or that there be three days' pestilence in thy land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.14And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man.15So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.16And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.17And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house.
Mark
1And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.2And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.4But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.5And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.6And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on sin, faith, and humility. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David's decision to take a census of his people, an act that is deemed sinful as it reflects a lack of trust in God. When confronted with the consequences, David humbly acknowledges his wrongdoing and chooses to face the punishment, leading to a pestilence that affects his people. His repentance and acceptance of responsibility halt the divine retribution, illustrating the power of sincere remorse and divine mercy.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus faces rejection in his hometown of Nazareth. Despite His wisdom and miracles, the people's familiarity with Him as a carpenter breeds contempt, limiting His ability to perform miracles there. This narrative underscores the theme of faith and how unbelief can hinder divine action. The connection between the two readings lies in their exploration of sin and faith—David's personal sin and the community's unbelief in Jesus. Both stories highlight the importance of humility and trust in God.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded to recognize our own sins and approach God with humility. Just as David took responsibility for his actions, we must acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness. Similarly, the rejection of Jesus in Nazareth teaches us about the necessity of faith in overcoming skepticism and doubt. The moral lesson here is clear: true faith and humility are essential for spiritual growth and for experiencing God's grace in our lives. Let us strive to embrace these virtues, allowing God's mercy and wisdom to guide us through life's challenges.