Daily Readings - Sun Sep 16 2018
Isaiah
5The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.6I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.7Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.8He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!9It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
James
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
Mark
27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. "30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faith, action, and self-sacrifice, each weaving together to guide us in our spiritual journey. The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, embodies unwavering trust in God amidst suffering, accepting his mission with courage. This trust is rooted in his deep faith, teaching us that true faith is not about avoiding challenges but facing them with confidence in God's plan.
The second reading from James emphasizes that faith must be alive through our actions. James challenges us to move beyond mere belief and to express our faith through tangible works. This call to action reminds us that our faith should transform how we live, compelling us to serve others and act with compassion, just as Isaiah did in fulfilling his prophetic mission.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals His identity and destiny. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is met with Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross. This passage invites us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Christ, understanding that discipleship involves embracing challenges and sacrifices. Jesus' example shows us that true love and service require us to put others first, even when it is difficult.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How are we living out our faith? Are we merely spectators, or are we actively engaged in serving others? Let us embrace the call to live out our faith with courage and selflessness, trusting in God's providence, just as Isaiah did. May we, like Jesus, be willing to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, following Him faithfully. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become His hands and heart in the world.