Daily Readings - Wed Feb 23 2022
James
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.16But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Mark
38And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.39But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.40For he that is not against us is on our part.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of humility and openness to God's work in the world. James warns us against arrogance, urging us to recognize the fleeting nature of life and to trust in God's will. Mark's Gospel shows Jesus teaching us not to hinder others who do good in His name, even if they are not part of our immediate group.
Both readings emphasize the need to let go of our desire for control and to embrace a humble heart. James calls us to acknowledge our limitations and to act with humility, while Mark's passage encourages us to see God's work beyond our own circles. This teaches us to trust that God can work through anyone, regardless of their affiliation.
In our daily lives, this means letting go of judgment and arrogance, trusting in God's plan, and being open to His work in others. The moral lesson is clear: humility and openness allow us to see and support God's work wherever it occurs.