Daily Readings - Mon May 21 2018
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Mark
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"22"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."23"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer. "
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The first reading from James contrasts earthly wisdom, which is marked by jealousy and ambition, with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceful, and fruitful. This heavenly wisdom is not about personal gain but about living in harmony with others and doing good. The Gospel from Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, overwhelmed by his son’s suffering, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This moment of raw honesty and vulnerability reveals the depth of the father’s faith, even as he acknowledges his own limitations. Jesus responds with compassion and authority, freeing the boy from the spirit’s grip. Afterward, Jesus explains to his disciples that such evils can only be overcome through prayer and fasting.
These readings are connected by the theme of divine power and wisdom. James emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God and is characterized by humility and mercy. Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even when imperfect, is the key to experiencing God’s power. The father’s plea, “Help my unbelief,” is a universal prayer, acknowledging our own limitations while trusting in God’s goodness. Both readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but come from surrendering to God’s will and seeking His grace.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to humility and trust. When we face challenges, we are tempted to rely on our own efforts or worldly wisdom, which often leads to conflict and division. Instead, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, to seek His wisdom, and to trust in His power. Like the father in the Gospel, we can acknowledge our own unbelief and ask for help. This posture of humility and faith opens us to the transformative power of God’s grace. Let us, therefore, strive to live in the wisdom that comes from above, fostering peace, mercy, and good works in our relationships and communities.