Daily Readings - Mon Jan 22 2018
2 Samuel
1All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood.2In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'"3When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.4David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.5In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.6The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, "You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off." They thought, "David cannot get in here."7Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.10And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.
Mark
22And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."23So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.26And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.27In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.28I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them.29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."30He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding leadership and spiritual warfare. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David's anointing as king over all Israel, emphasizing his victories and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital. This passage highlights David's leadership, blessed by God, and the unity he brings to his people. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus facing accusations from the scribes, who attribute His miracles to Beelzebub. Jesus refutes this by illustrating the impossibility of a divided kingdom and warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
Both readings underscore the importance of unity and divine support. David's success is rooted in God's presence, while Jesus teaches that a divided house cannot stand, reflecting the spiritual battle against evil. These lessons remind us that our strength comes from God and that unity is crucial in overcoming life's challenges.
In our daily lives, we face similar struggles—whether in personal conflicts or societal divisions. Let us draw inspiration from David and Jesus, standing firm in our faith and seeking God's guidance. By avoiding division and trusting in God's strength, we can overcome adversity and live in unity and peace. May we reflect on the importance of seeking God's presence and fostering harmony in all aspects of our lives.