Daily Readings - Fri Feb 25 2022
James
9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.12Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
Mark
1Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied.6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,8and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of fidelity and integrity in our relationships, both within our communities and in our personal lives. The first reading from James encourages patience and truthfulness amidst hardships. James reminds us that enduring trials with patience is a testament to our faith, using the prophets and Job as examples. He also warns against the casual use of oaths, urging us to let our words be our bond, reflecting a deeper commitment to truth and integrity.
The Gospel from Mark shifts our focus to the permanence of marriage. Jesus, when questioned about divorce, emphasizes God's original plan for one man and one woman to be united. He challenges the cultural norms of His time, asserting that marriage is a sacred bond that should not be broken. This teaching extends beyond marriage to all our relationships, calling us to fidelity and perseverance.
Both readings remind us that our commitments, whether in community or marriage, are reflections of our fidelity to God's will. In our daily lives, this means embracing patience and integrity, standing firm in our commitments, and nurturing our relationships with truth and perseverance. May we strive to live with such fidelity, trusting in God's mercy and compassion as we navigate life's challenges.