Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 13, 2018
First Reading: James 1.12-18
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Psalm 94
1O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.3How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?4They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.5They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.6They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.7They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."8Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?9Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?10Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?11The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.12Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;13you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.14For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.15Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?17Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.18When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.20Can a corrupt throne be allied with you- one that brings on misery by its decrees?21They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.22But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.23He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.
Gospel: Mark 8.14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.15"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?Twelve," they replied.20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven."21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of temptation, spiritual understanding, and God's providence. The first reading from James reminds us that our struggles with sin arise from our own desires, not from God, who instead showers us with good gifts. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus teaching his disciples to look beyond physical needs, using the metaphor of leaven to warn against hypocrisy and emphasizing spiritual understanding through reminders of his miracles.
Both readings, though from different contexts—James addressing early Christians facing trials and Mark depicting Jesus teaching his disciples—unite in their call for spiritual awareness. James highlights the internal battle with sin, while Mark's narrative shows the disciples' initial misunderstanding, urging us to seek deeper spiritual insights rather than being swayed by material concerns.
In our daily lives, this teaches us to recognize that our true battles are within and that God's gifts are always good. We are called to trust in His providence and seek spiritual growth, avoiding the leaven of hypocrisy and focusing on the eternal over the temporal. May we embrace this wisdom, striving to perceive the spiritual truths that guide us closer to God.