Daily Readings - Fri Feb 01 2019
Hebrews
32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.37For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.38But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him."39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
Mark
26He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.27Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.28All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.29As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground.32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, trust, and the nature of God's Kingdom. The epistle from Hebrews reminds us of the enduring power of faith amidst trials, encouraging us to remain steadfast and patient, trusting in God's promises. The Gospel from Mark presents two parables: the growing seed and the mustard seed, illustrating the Kingdom of God's growth from small beginnings to a flourishing reality.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and trust in God's plan. Hebrews emphasizes perseverance through hardships, highlighting that true faith is not about drawing back but securing our souls through trust. Mark's parables show that the Kingdom of God, though it may start small and grow unnoticed, ultimately becomes a refuge and home for many. This mirrors how our faith, though it may begin humbly, can grow into something extraordinary.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace patience and trust in God's timing. Just as the seed grows without our full understanding, our faith can develop in ways we may not see immediately. Let us remain steadfast, trusting that God's promises will unfold, and nurture our faith so it may grow into a shelter of grace and love for others.