Daily Readings - Thu Feb 03 2022
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
The readings today remind us of the importance of faithfulness, trust in God, and living with purpose. In the first reading from 1 Kings, we see David nearing the end of his life, and he takes the opportunity to impart wisdom to his son Solomon. David, who had experienced both triumphs and failures, urges Solomon to remain faithful to God, to walk in His ways, and to observe His laws. This passage highlights the significance of passing on spiritual values and the responsibility of leadership rooted in faith. David’s words are not just practical advice but a spiritual inheritance, ensuring that Solomon’s reign would be blessed by God.
In the Gospel, Mark 6, we see Jesus sending out the Twelve Apostles two by two, giving them authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. However, Jesus also instructs them to travel lightly, without extra provisions, relying solely on God’s providence. This teaching emphasizes trust in God and detachment from material comforts. The Apostles are to focus on their mission, not on accumulating possessions or seeking comfort. Their reliance on God’s provision would deepen their faith and remind them that their true strength comes from Him, not from worldly resources.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust and faithfulness. David trusts in God’s promise and passes that trust to Solomon. Jesus teaches the Apostles to trust in God’s care as they carry out their mission. For us today, these readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God. Do we rely on Him when we face challenges, or do we turn to worldly solutions? Are we faithful in passing on the values of our faith to others? Let us ask ourselves: Am I living with the kind of detachment and trust that allows me to focus on God’s will? May we, like David and the Apostles, trust in God’s providence and live with hearts fixed on Him.