Daily Readings - Tue Feb 19 2019
Genesis
5The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.6The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.7So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth-men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air-for I am grieved that I have made them."8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
1The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.2Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,3and also seven of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.4Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made."5And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.10And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth.
Mark
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 encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, judgment, and divine providence. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Noah's Ark, a tale of God's sorrow over humanity's wickedness and His decision to send a flood. Yet, amidst this judgment, Noah's righteousness shines through, as he is chosen to preserve life, illustrating God's mercy and plan for salvation. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus cautioning His disciples against the corrupting influence of the Pharisees and Herod, using leaven as a metaphor. He then questions their lack of understanding, referencing the miracles of the loaves to emphasize trust in God's provision.
Both readings share a common thread of judgment and salvation. In Genesis, God's judgment is tempered with mercy, as Noah's obedience provides a path to salvation. Similarly, in Mark, Jesus warns against spiritual corruption, urging the disciples to have faith and discernment. The feeding miracles serve as reminders of God's abundance and provision, encouraging the disciples to look beyond physical needs to spiritual truths.
Applying these lessons to our lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Like Noah, we must be vigilant and obedient, ensuring our actions align with God's will. The readings remind us to guard against spiritual corruption and to cultivate faith, recognizing God's presence and provision in our lives. May we, like Noah, find grace through our faith and, like the disciples, grow in understanding and trust in God's divine plan.