Daily Readings - Sat May 26 2018
James
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Mark
13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, humility, and community. The first reading from James encourages us to turn to prayer in times of sorrow or illness, emphasizing the role of faith in healing and the importance of confessing sins to one another for spiritual well-being. It also highlights the impact of prayer, using Elijah as an example of how persistent prayer can effect change. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching on the value of childlike faith, stressing that the Kingdom of God is accessible to those who approach it with humility and trust, as children do.
Both readings, though distinct, share a common thread of faith and trust in God. James focuses on active faith within the community, where prayer and support for one another are essential. Mark's Gospel illustrates the humility required to embrace God's grace, using children as a model of such humility. Together, they remind us that faith is not just personal but also communal, involving care for others and a willingness to approach God with simplicity and trust.
In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to cultivate humility and trust in God. We are called to be approachable and open, much like children, and to actively support one another through prayer and compassion. The moral lesson here is the transformative power of faith and humility, and the vital role of community in our spiritual journey. Let us strive to embody these qualities, trusting in God's providence and caring for each other as we walk in faith.