Daily Readings - Thu Feb 01 2024
1 Kings
1Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,2I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;3And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.10So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.11And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.12Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.
Mark
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and trust in God's providence. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial wisdom to his son Solomon. David's instructions are not merely political or practical but deeply spiritual, urging Solomon to remain faithful to God's ways and to lead with integrity. This passage emphasizes the importance of legacy and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the Twelve Apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are striking: they are to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision rather than relying on material comforts or security. This mission is not just about action but about trust and surrender.
The readings are connected by the theme of trust in God's plan and the call to live with simplicity and faith. In 1 Kings, David's trust in God's promise sustains him as he hands over the reins to Solomon. In Mark, Jesus challenges the disciples to trust in God's providence, even when they are sent out with nothing but a staff. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not about control or self-sufficiency but about surrendering to God's will and trusting in His timing and provision. Both David and the disciples are called to step into unknown territories, but they are not alone; they are accompanied by God's grace and promises.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. Where do we struggle with trust? Are we holding onto control or material security? The readings call us to embrace simplicity and to trust in God's plan, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Whether we are leaders or ordinary disciples, we are all called to live with faith, integrity, and reliance on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to let go of what I think I need to control and instead trust in God's provision? Am I living in a way that reflects my belief in His faithfulness? May we, like David and the disciples, step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us as we fulfill our mission in the world.