Daily Readings - Thu Feb 13 2025
Genesis
18The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."19Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.20So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.21So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh.22Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.23The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, 'for she was taken out of man."24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.25The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.
Mark
24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that illuminate the essence of human relationships and the boundless reach of God's grace. The first reading from Genesis recounts the creation of Eve from Adam's rib, emphasizing the divine intention for human companionship and equality. This story underscores the sacred institution of marriage as a partnership founded on mutual respect and support, reflecting God's design for humanity to thrive in unity.
The Gospel from Mark presents a contrasting yet complementary scene, where Jesus, in the region of Tyre and Sidon, engages with a Syrophoenician woman. Her persistent faith and humility lead Jesus to heal her daughter, symbolizing the expansion of His mission beyond cultural boundaries. This interaction highlights the inclusive nature of God's love, reminding us that faith can cross any divide and that humility is a powerful catalyst for grace.
These readings together teach us about the importance of valuing partnerships and trusting in God's providence. In our daily lives, we are called to nurture relationships with mutual respect and to approach challenges with the persistence and humility exemplified by the Syrophoenician woman. Let us reflect on how we can embody these virtues, fostering stronger bonds and deepening our faith, trusting that God's love and grace are always within reach.