Daily Readings - Sat Jan 30 2021
Hebrews
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2For by it the elders obtained a good report.8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Mark
35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of faith and its practical implications in our lives. The first reading from Hebrews delves into the nature of faith, defining it as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. Through the examples of Abraham and Sarah, we see faith in action—trusting in God's promises despite uncertainty and impossibility. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac and Sarah's belief in conceiving despite her age illustrate unwavering trust in God's plan. This passage reminds us that faith is not about seeing the outcome but trusting the process.
The Gospel from Mark complements this by presenting a vivid scenario where Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His divine authority. The disciples, though fearful, learn a crucial lesson about faith. Jesus' question, "Why are you afraid? Do you still lack faith?" challenges them (and us) to reflect on our trust in God. This miracle story shows that true faith leads to recognizing God's presence and power, even in turmoil.
Connecting these readings, we see that faith is both a belief in the unseen and a trust in God's providence amidst life's storms. In our daily lives, we face challenges that test our faith, but like Abraham and the disciples, we are called to trust in God's plan. The moral lesson here is clear: cultivate faith by trusting God, even when the path is uncertain. Let us embrace this trust, knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through life's tempests.