Daily Readings - Sat Feb 10 2018
1 Kings
26Jeroboam thought to himself, "The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David.27If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam."28After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."29One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan.30And this thing became a sin; the people went even as far as Dan to worship the one there.31Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites.32He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. This he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made. And at Bethel he also installed priests at the high places he had made.
33Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places.34This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.
Mark
1During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said,2"I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.3If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance."4His disciples answered, "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"5"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven," they replied.6He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so.7They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them.8The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.9About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away,10he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of worship and God's providence. The first reading from 1 Kings recounts Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship, creating golden calves and unauthorized shrines. This act, driven by political motives to prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem, led to widespread sin and the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty. It underscores the consequences of diverting from true worship and the dangers of human-made religion.
The Gospel, from Mark, presents a stark contrast with the story of Jesus feeding four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish. This miracle, a testament to Jesus's divine compassion and power, highlights His role as the true source of nourishment—both physical and spiritual. Unlike Jeroboam's false idols, Jesus provides abundantly, teaching us to trust in God's provision and care.
These readings remind us to examine our own worship and priorities. Just as Jeroboam's actions led the people astray, we must guard against modern "idols" that distract us from true devotion. Jesus's miracle encourages us to seek spiritual nourishment from Him. Let us reflect on our relationship with God, ensuring our worship is directed towards the one true God, and trust in His loving provision for our needs.