Daily Readings - Mon Feb 24 2025
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
In today's readings, we explore the themes of divine wisdom and the power of faith. The Book of Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, present in all creation, and a treasure bestowed upon those who love Him. This wisdom is not merely knowledge but a deep understanding that guides our actions and decisions. In the Gospel of Mark, we witness a father's plea for his afflicted son, highlighting the interplay between faith and doubt. Despite the disciples' inability to heal the boy, Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of faith, teaching us that some challenges require prayer and fasting.
The context of Sirach is rooted in wisdom literature, emphasizing that true wisdom is divine in origin. Mark's Gospel, set amidst Jesus' ministry, underscores the necessity of faith in overcoming adversity. These readings connect by illustrating that wisdom and faith are intertwined, with wisdom guiding us to trust in God's power, especially when we feel inadequate.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to approach challenges with faith, recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's strength. Just as the father acknowledged his doubt yet sought Jesus, we too can admit our weaknesses and rely on God's grace. The moral lesson here is the importance of humility and faith. Wisdom is not self-sufficient knowledge but a trust in God's providence, leading us to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. Through prayer and fasting, we align ourselves with God's will, finding the strength to overcome even the most daunting trials.