Daily Readings - Mon Feb 24 2025
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
In today's readings, we explore the themes of divine wisdom and the power of faith. The Book of Sirach reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God, present in all creation, and a treasure bestowed upon those who love Him. This wisdom is not merely knowledge but a deep understanding that guides our actions and decisions. In the Gospel of Mark, we witness a father's plea for his afflicted son, highlighting the interplay between faith and doubt. Despite the disciples' inability to heal the boy, Jesus demonstrates the transformative power of faith, teaching us that some challenges require prayer and fasting.
The context of Sirach is rooted in wisdom literature, emphasizing that true wisdom is divine in origin. Mark's Gospel, set amidst Jesus' ministry, underscores the necessity of faith in overcoming adversity. These readings connect by illustrating that wisdom and faith are intertwined, with wisdom guiding us to trust in God's power, especially when we feel inadequate.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to approach challenges with faith, recognizing our limitations and trusting in God's strength. Just as the father acknowledged his doubt yet sought Jesus, we too can admit our weaknesses and rely on God's grace. The moral lesson here is the importance of humility and faith. Wisdom is not self-sufficient knowledge but a trust in God's providence, leading us to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. Through prayer and fasting, we align ourselves with God's will, finding the strength to overcome even the most daunting trials.