Daily Readings - Tue Feb 16 2021
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 spiritual understanding. The first reading from Genesis describes God's sorrow over humanity's corruption, leading to the decision to send a flood. Yet, amidst this judgment, Noah finds grace and is commissioned to build an ark, becoming an instrument of salvation. This passage underscores the themes of divine mercy and the importance of righteousness in the face of wickedness.
The Gospel from Mark shifts our focus to Jesus, who warns his disciples against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod," symbolizing hypocrisy and worldly influences. Despite the miracles they witnessed, the disciples struggle with understanding, prompting Jesus to question their faith. This exchange highlights the challenge of moving beyond superficial concerns to embrace deeper spiritual truths.
Together, these readings remind us to trust in God's plan and seek spiritual growth. Just as Noah's faith led to salvation, our trust in God can guide us through life's challenges. We are called to avoid corruption and hypocrisy, instead striving for a profound understanding of God's will. In our daily lives, may we embrace this call, deepening our faith and seeking a closer relationship with God, just as Noah and the disciples were called to do.