Daily Readings - Fri Feb 25 2022
James
9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.10Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.12But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Mark
1And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.10And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of fidelity and integrity in our relationships, both within our communities and in our personal lives. The first reading from James encourages patience and truthfulness amidst hardships. James reminds us that enduring trials with patience is a testament to our faith, using the prophets and Job as examples. He also warns against the casual use of oaths, urging us to let our words be our bond, reflecting a deeper commitment to truth and integrity.
The Gospel from Mark shifts our focus to the permanence of marriage. Jesus, when questioned about divorce, emphasizes God's original plan for one man and one woman to be united. He challenges the cultural norms of His time, asserting that marriage is a sacred bond that should not be broken. This teaching extends beyond marriage to all our relationships, calling us to fidelity and perseverance.
Both readings remind us that our commitments, whether in community or marriage, are reflections of our fidelity to God's will. In our daily lives, this means embracing patience and integrity, standing firm in our commitments, and nurturing our relationships with truth and perseverance. May we strive to live with such fidelity, trusting in God's mercy and compassion as we navigate life's challenges.