Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2020
1 Kings
1Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,2I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;3And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.10So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.11And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.12Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
Mark
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and mission. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial instructions to his son Solomon. David's words are a testament to the importance of faith and leadership, urging Solomon to follow God's laws and lead with integrity. This passage marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as the mantle of leadership passes to Solomon, emphasizing the enduring covenant between God and David's lineage. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are stark: they are to travel simply, without material comforts, relying solely on God's providence. This mission embodies the essence of trust and humility, as the apostles embark on their journey with faith, not fear.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme of trust in divine providence. David's trust in God's promise for Solomon's reign mirrors the apostles' trust in Jesus' mission. Both narratives highlight the importance of humility and faith in fulfilling one's calling. For David, it is the trust that Solomon will uphold God's ways; for the apostles, it is the trust that God will provide as they spread His message. This interplay underscores that true leadership and service are rooted in surrendering to God's will, rather than relying on human strength or resources.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Solomon, we may face significant responsibilities, and like the apostles, we may be called to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength lies not in what we possess, but in our willingness to rely on God. Whether in leadership or in everyday challenges, we are called to live with humility and simplicity, trusting that God will provide the grace and wisdom we need. Let us embrace this call with faith, knowing that our efforts, when rooted in trust and obedience, bear fruit that endures.