Daily Readings - Mon Feb 24 2020
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
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 explore the themes of wisdom and faith, each highlighting the necessity of divine grace in our lives. James 3:13-18 distinguishes between earthly wisdom, marked by bitterness and envy, and heavenly wisdom, characterized by peace, meekness, and mercy. This wisdom is not just intellectual but transformative, leading to good deeds done in humility.
In Mark 9:14-29, we witness a powerful example of faith in action. A father, desperate for his son's healing, approaches Jesus after the disciples fail. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, stating that belief can move mountains. The father's honest cry, "I do believe, help my unbelief," exemplifies the human condition—acknowledging our limited faith while seeking God's grace. Jesus heals the boy, teaching that some spiritual challenges require prayer and fasting, beyond superficial efforts.
These readings connect by illustrating that true wisdom and power come from God. James shows that wisdom leads to harmonious living, while Mark demonstrates that faith, supported by spiritual discipline, can overcome even the most daunting challenges. In our daily lives, this means trusting God in difficult times, engaging in persistent prayer, and living with the humility that recognizes our need for divine grace. Let us deepen our faith and spiritual practices, remembering that true strength and wisdom flow from God alone.