Daily Readings - Mon Feb 20 2023

Mark

14And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.15And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.16And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?17And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;18And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.20And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.21And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.25When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.26And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.27But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.28And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?29And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Sermon

The first reading from Sirach reminds us that all wisdom comes from God, who is the Creator and the source of all understanding. It emphasizes that true wisdom is not just human knowledge but a divine gift that flows from God’s eternal and omnipotent nature. The reading invites us to recognize God’s presence in all creation and to seek wisdom through humility and reverence. In the Gospel, Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, desperate and struggling with doubt, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This heartfelt plea reflects the human condition—our desire to trust in God’s power, even when we feel limited by our own faith. Jesus’ response highlights the importance of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual struggles, teaching us that some challenges require deeper devotion and reliance on God. Both readings call us to trust in God’s power and wisdom. Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, while Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even imperfect faith, can move mountains when we turn to God in prayer. In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenges that test our faith, but these readings encourage us to approach them with humility, persistence, and trust in God’s providence. Let us seek wisdom by drawing closer to God and remember that even in our doubts, God’s grace can transform us.