Daily Readings - Sat Jan 28 2023
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and trust in God, even in the face of uncertainty and turmoil. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear about the nature of faith as the "substance of things hoped for" and "the evidence of things not seen." The author highlights the example of Abraham, who obeyed God's call to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going. Abraham's faith was not about having all the answers but trusting in God's promises, even when the future seemed unclear. Similarly, Sarah's faith allowed her to conceive a child in her old age, despite the impossibility of it from a human perspective. The reading reminds us that faith is not about seeing the full picture but trusting in God's plan and His faithfulness.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus calms a storm while He and His disciples are on a boat. The disciples, caught in a fierce wind and waves, fear for their lives, while Jesus is seemingly indifferent, sleeping in the stern. When they wake Him, He rebukes the wind and the sea, restoring calm. Jesus' question to the disciples—"Why are you afraid? Do you still lack faith?"—challenges them (and us) to trust in His presence and power, even in the midst of chaos. This story underscores the importance of faith in times of doubt and fear, reminding us that God is always with us, even when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed.
These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize the necessity of faith in navigating life's uncertainties. Abraham trusted God's promise without knowing the details, just as the disciples were called to trust in Jesus' presence and power during the storm. For us, this means that when we face our own "storms"—whether personal struggles, fears, or uncertainties—we are invited to place our trust in God. Like Abraham, we may not see the full picture, but we can trust that God is faithful and that His plan is at work. Like the disciples, we are reminded that even in the midst of turmoil, God is with us, and we need not be afraid. Let us strive to deepen our faith, trusting in God's love and providence, even when the road ahead seems unclear.