Daily Readings - Sat Feb 05 2022
1 Kings
4The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.5At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."6Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.7"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.8Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.9So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"10The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.11So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,12I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.13Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for-both riches and honor-so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.
Mark
30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."32So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.33But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.34When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and leadership. The first reading from 1 Kings 3:4-13 presents Solomon, the newly appointed king, who seeks wisdom from God. Recognizing his limitations, Solomon humbly asks for a discerning heart to lead God's people justly. God, pleased with Solomon's request, grants him not only wisdom but also wealth and glory. This passage underscores the importance of humility and seeking divine guidance in leadership.
The Gospel reading from Mark 6:30-34 shifts our focus to Jesus and His disciples. After a busy period of ministry, Jesus encourages the disciples to rest in a deserted place. However, their solitude is short-lived as crowds gather, and Jesus, with compassion, teaches them. This scene highlights the balance between rest and service, reminding us that even in rest, we are called to be attentive to the needs of others.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own approach to life and faith. Like Solomon, we are called to seek wisdom and humility, recognizing our need for God's guidance. Like Jesus, we are reminded to trust in God's plan, even when our plans are interrupted. In our daily lives, let us embrace moments of rest to rejuvenate and listen to God's voice, while also being compassionate and present to those around us. May we prioritize spiritual growth and service, trusting that God will provide the wisdom and strength we need.