Daily Readings - Thu Feb 17 2022
James
1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
Mark
27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. "30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, discipleship, and the call to live according to God’s will. In the first reading from James, we are reminded that true faith is not about outward appearances or showing favoritism, but about living out the royal law: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” James challenges us to examine how we treat others, especially the poor and the marginalized, for it is in our actions toward them that we reveal whether our faith is genuine. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel shifts our focus to the identity of Jesus and the cost of following Him. Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ is a moment of great faith, but it is quickly followed by a misunderstanding of what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus teaches His disciples that His path is one of suffering, rejection, and ultimately resurrection, and He calls them—and us—to embrace this same path of self-denial and fidelity to God’s plan.
The two readings are connected by the theme of living out one’s faith in a way that aligns with God’s will, rather than our own preferences or worldly standards. James warns against the temptation to judge others based on appearances or social status, while Mark highlights the temptation to follow a version of Christianity that avoids the cross. Both readings call us to humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to let go of our own agendas in order to follow God’s plan. This is not always easy, as Peter’s reaction shows, but it is essential for true discipleship.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine how we treat others and how we understand our relationship with God. Do we show favoritism or judge others unfairly? Are we willing to embrace the sacrifices and challenges that come with following Christ? The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in love, humility, and a commitment to God’s will, even when it leads us to places we would rather not go. Let us ask for the grace to see others as God sees them and to follow Jesus with courage and fidelity, trusting that His plan, though difficult, leads to true life and resurrection.