Daily Readings - Mon Feb 20 2023
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
The first reading from Sirach reminds us that all wisdom comes from God, who is the Creator and the source of all understanding. It emphasizes that true wisdom is not just human knowledge but a divine gift that flows from God’s eternal and omnipotent nature. The reading invites us to recognize God’s presence in all creation and to seek wisdom through humility and reverence.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a dramatic scene where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit. The boy’s father, desperate and struggling with doubt, cries out to Jesus, “I do believe, Lord. Help my unbelief.” This heartfelt plea reflects the human condition—our desire to trust in God’s power, even when we feel limited by our own faith. Jesus’ response highlights the importance of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual struggles, teaching us that some challenges require deeper devotion and reliance on God.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s power and wisdom. Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, while Mark’s Gospel shows us that faith, even imperfect faith, can move mountains when we turn to God in prayer. In our daily lives, we are often faced with challenges that test our faith, but these readings encourage us to approach them with humility, persistence, and trust in God’s providence. Let us seek wisdom by drawing closer to God and remember that even in our doubts, God’s grace can transform us.