Daily Readings - Mon Feb 21 2022
James
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Mark
14When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"22"From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."23"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer. "
Sermon
**Sermon: The Wisdom of Faith and Compassion**
In today's readings, we reflect on the nature of true wisdom and the power of faith. The Epistle of James reminds us that wisdom is not about earthly knowledge or earthly gains but is pure, peaceful, gentle, and merciful. It is a wisdom that comes from above, manifesting in our actions through humility and compassion. James contrasts this with earthly wisdom, which is marked by envy and contention, leading only to disorder and chaos.
The Gospel from Mark illustrates this wisdom in action through the story of a father seeking healing for his son. The father's plea to Jesus, despite his doubts, shows a mix of faith and human frailty. Jesus's response, healing the boy and later emphasizing the need for prayer and fasting, teaches us that true wisdom is rooted in faith and spiritual discipline. The father's cry, "I do believe, help my unbelief," is a heartfelt expression of trust in God's power despite personal limitations.
As we apply these readings to our lives, we are called to seek wisdom through prayer and humble service. Just as the father's persistent faith led to healing, our own faith, even when wavering, can lead us to deeper trust in God. Let us embrace the wisdom from above by living with compassion and meekness, and may our faith guide us in times of doubt, leading us to spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God.