Daily Readings - Sat Feb 19 2022
James
1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Mark
2And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.3And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.4And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.5And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.6For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.8And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.9And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.11And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?12And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.13But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The Gospel of Mark presents the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This moment is a pivotal revelation, yet the disciples are instructed to keep this experience secret until after Jesus' resurrection. This teaches us the value of discernment and patience, reminding us that there is a time for speaking and a time for silence, trusting in God's plan.
The reading from James warns us about the power of our words, emphasizing that they can both bless and curse. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of our speech, urging us to use our words wisely and with compassion. Just as the disciples were told to wait before sharing their experience, we too must learn when to speak and when to hold back, ensuring our words are used for good.
Together, these readings encourage us to embrace discernment and responsibility in our speech. By reflecting on the Transfiguration and James' wisdom, we are reminded to trust in God's timing and to use our words thoughtfully, fostering a spirit of love and understanding in our daily lives. The moral lesson here is clear: our words have power, and with discernment, we can use them to glorify God and uplift others.