Daily Readings - Sat Feb 19 2022
James
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
Mark
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.5Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.11And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"12Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The Gospel of Mark presents the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This moment is a pivotal revelation, yet the disciples are instructed to keep this experience secret until after Jesus' resurrection. This teaches us the value of discernment and patience, reminding us that there is a time for speaking and a time for silence, trusting in God's plan.
The reading from James warns us about the power of our words, emphasizing that they can both bless and curse. This serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of our speech, urging us to use our words wisely and with compassion. Just as the disciples were told to wait before sharing their experience, we too must learn when to speak and when to hold back, ensuring our words are used for good.
Together, these readings encourage us to embrace discernment and responsibility in our speech. By reflecting on the Transfiguration and James' wisdom, we are reminded to trust in God's timing and to use our words thoughtfully, fostering a spirit of love and understanding in our daily lives. The moral lesson here is clear: our words have power, and with discernment, we can use them to glorify God and uplift others.