Daily Readings - Thu Feb 08 2018
1 Kings
4As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.5He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites.6So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.7On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites.8He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.9The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.10Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command.11So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.12Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son.13Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen."
Mark
24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persistence, and God’s boundless mercy. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts the story of King Solomon, who, despite his wisdom and divine favor, succumbs to idolatry influenced by his foreign wives. This leads to a fracture in his relationship with God, resulting in the division of his kingdom. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God, even for those who have been greatly blessed.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. Her daughter, tormented by a demon, finds hope in Jesus. Despite initial hesitation, Jesus is moved by her persistence and faith, healing her daughter. This encounter highlights the universality of God’s love, extending beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The woman’s unwavering faith and humility exemplify the kind of trust we are called to embrace.
These readings remind us that faith is not about deserving God’s favors but about trusting in His love. Solomon’s story warns against the idolatries of our modern world—be they materialism, pride, or complacency. The Syro-Phoenician woman teaches us to approach God with humility and persistence, knowing that His mercy is available to all. Let us, therefore, examine our hearts, reject any form of idolatry, and seek God with the same faith and perseverance, trusting in His loving providence.