Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2020
1 Kings
1When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.2"I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, show yourself a man,3and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go,4and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'10Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David.11He had reigned forty years over Israel-seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem.12So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established.
Mark
7Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.8These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.9Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."12They went out and preached that people should repent.13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of transition and mission. The first reading from 1 Kings captures the final moments of King David, who, nearing death, imparts crucial instructions to his son Solomon. David's words are a testament to the importance of faith and leadership, urging Solomon to follow God's laws and lead with integrity. This passage marks a significant shift in Israel's history, as the mantle of leadership passes to Solomon, emphasizing the enduring covenant between God and David's lineage. The second reading from Mark's Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus, who sends out the twelve apostles in pairs, empowering them to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus' instructions are stark: they are to travel simply, without material comforts, relying solely on God's providence. This mission embodies the essence of trust and humility, as the apostles embark on their journey with faith, not fear.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme of trust in divine providence. David's trust in God's promise for Solomon's reign mirrors the apostles' trust in Jesus' mission. Both narratives highlight the importance of humility and faith in fulfilling one's calling. For David, it is the trust that Solomon will uphold God's ways; for the apostles, it is the trust that God will provide as they spread His message. This interplay underscores that true leadership and service are rooted in surrendering to God's will, rather than relying on human strength or resources.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Like Solomon, we may face significant responsibilities, and like the apostles, we may be called to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. The moral lesson here is clear: our strength lies not in what we possess, but in our willingness to rely on God. Whether in leadership or in everyday challenges, we are called to live with humility and simplicity, trusting that God will provide the grace and wisdom we need. Let us embrace this call with faith, knowing that our efforts, when rooted in trust and obedience, bear fruit that endures.