Daily Readings - Mon Feb 05 2018
1 Kings
1Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the LORD's covenant from Zion, the City of David.2All the men of Israel came together to King Solomon at the time of the festival in the month of Ethanim, the seventh month.3When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark,4and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The priests and Levites carried them up,5and King Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel that had gathered about him were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted.6The priests then brought the ark of the LORD's covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim.7The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its carrying poles.9There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.10When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD.11And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.12Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;13I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever."
Mark
53When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there.54As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus.55They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.56And wherever he went--into villages, towns or countryside--they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.
Sermon
In today's readings, we witness profound moments of God's presence and divine action. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple in Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Israel's history. The Ark, a symbol of God's covenant, is brought into the Temple, and the presence of God is so powerful that a cloud fills the space, overwhelming the priests. This moment signifies God's dwelling among His people, a promise fulfilled through Solomon's dedication of the Temple.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus continuing His ministry in Gennesaret. Recognized by the people, He heals the sick who touch His garment, demonstrating His divine power and compassion. This passage highlights Jesus as the living presence of God, offering healing and hope to those who seek Him.
Both readings invite us to reflect on God's presence in our lives. Just as the Temple was a sacred space, our lives should be temples of the Holy Spirit, where we actively seek God's presence. Like the people in Gennesaret, we are called to trust in Jesus' power to transform us. May we find healing and guidance by staying close to Him, recognizing His presence in our daily lives. Let us seek God with faith, trusting in His transformative power.