Daily Readings - Wed Feb 05 2020
2 Samuel
2So the king said to Joab and the army commanders with him, "Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are."9Joab reported the number of the fighting men to the king: In Israel there were eight hundred thousand able-bodied men who could handle a sword, and in Judah five hundred thousand.10David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing."11Before David got up the next morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David's seer:12"Go and tell David, 'This is what the LORD says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.'"13So Gad went to David and said to him, "Shall there come upon you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me."14David said to Gad, "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."15So the LORD sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.16When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, "Enough! Withdraw your hand." The angel of the LORD was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.17When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the LORD, "I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family."
Mark
1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.3"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.4Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."5He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.6And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on sin, faith, and humility. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David's decision to take a census of his people, an act that is deemed sinful as it reflects a lack of trust in God. When confronted with the consequences, David humbly acknowledges his wrongdoing and chooses to face the punishment, leading to a pestilence that affects his people. His repentance and acceptance of responsibility halt the divine retribution, illustrating the power of sincere remorse and divine mercy.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus faces rejection in his hometown of Nazareth. Despite His wisdom and miracles, the people's familiarity with Him as a carpenter breeds contempt, limiting His ability to perform miracles there. This narrative underscores the theme of faith and how unbelief can hinder divine action. The connection between the two readings lies in their exploration of sin and faith—David's personal sin and the community's unbelief in Jesus. Both stories highlight the importance of humility and trust in God.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are reminded to recognize our own sins and approach God with humility. Just as David took responsibility for his actions, we must acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness. Similarly, the rejection of Jesus in Nazareth teaches us about the necessity of faith in overcoming skepticism and doubt. The moral lesson here is clear: true faith and humility are essential for spiritual growth and for experiencing God's grace in our lives. Let us strive to embrace these virtues, allowing God's mercy and wisdom to guide us through life's challenges.