Daily Readings - Mon Feb 25 2019
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 encounter two powerful reflections on the nature of wisdom and faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and is beyond human comprehension. It is a gift given to those who love and seek Him, and it is rooted in His eternal and omnipotent will. The author emphasizes that God alone can measure the depths of creation and that His wisdom is present in all His works. This wisdom is not something we can fully grasp on our own; it is a mystery that belongs to God and is revealed to those who humbly acknowledge His sovereignty.
The Gospel reading from Mark provides a vivid illustration of this truth. Jesus encounters a father desperate to save his son from a tormenting spirit. The father’s plea, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief,” captures the tension between faith and doubt. Jesus responds by casting out the spirit, teaching us that true power and healing come not from human effort but from trusting in God’s grace. The disciples’ failure to heal the boy earlier highlights the importance of prayer and fasting—acts of humility and surrender that align our wills with God’s. This story reminds us that faith, even when imperfect, is the foundation for miracles.
Together, these readings call us to trust in God’s wisdom and power, even when we cannot fully understand His ways. In our daily lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, just like the father in the Gospel. Let us turn to God with humility and faith, acknowledging that His wisdom and grace are beyond our limits. May we learn to surrender our doubts and fears to Him, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through prayer and trust in His providence.