O faithless generation
Published Feb 20, 2023 12:05 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY
In an earlier episode, the Twelve were given authority over unclean spirits as they were sent on a mission (Mk 6:7) and on their return they reported to Jesus what they had done. The Lucan version—the sending of the Seventy—has them reporting to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name” (Lk 10:17). But here, the disciples are unable to drive out the demon. In response, Jesus underlines their lack of trust in God and scores their lack of prayer. Probably, the disciples think too much of themselves rather than rely on God’s power when acting in Jesus’ name. Prayer attunes the whole person to God rather than on one’s self. Mark shows Jesus’ authority over the demon who violently resists and seemingly brings the boy to “deathlike” situation. The demon may be strong and fully armed, but Jesus, who is the “stronger one,” comes, overcomes him, and distributes the spoils of the battle (Lk 11:21-22).
FIRST READING • Sir 1:1-10
All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever, and is before all time. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these? Heaven’s height, earth’s breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these? Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding, from eternity. The word of God on high is the fountain of wisdom and her ways are everlasting. To whom has wisdom’s root been revealed? Who knows her subtleties? To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed? And who has understood the multiplicity of her ways? There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne: There is but one, Most High all-powerful creator-king and truly awe-inspiring one, seated upon his throne and he is the God of dominion. It is the Lord; he created her through the Holy Spirit, has seen her and taken note of her. He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
In an earlier episode, the Twelve were given authority over unclean spirits as they were sent on a mission (Mk 6:7) and on their return they reported to Jesus what they had done. The Lucan version—the sending of the Seventy—has them reporting to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name” (Lk 10:17). But here, the disciples are unable to drive out the demon. In response, Jesus underlines their lack of trust in God and scores their lack of prayer. Probably, the disciples think too much of themselves rather than rely on God’s power when acting in Jesus’ name. Prayer attunes the whole person to God rather than on one’s self. Mark shows Jesus’ authority over the demon who violently resists and seemingly brings the boy to “deathlike” situation. The demon may be strong and fully armed, but Jesus, who is the “stronger one,” comes, overcomes him, and distributes the spoils of the battle (Lk 11:21-22).
FIRST READING • Sir 1:1-10
All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever, and is before all time. The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these? Heaven’s height, earth’s breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these? Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding, from eternity. The word of God on high is the fountain of wisdom and her ways are everlasting. To whom has wisdom’s root been revealed? Who knows her subtleties? To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed? And who has understood the multiplicity of her ways? There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne: There is but one, Most High all-powerful creator-king and truly awe-inspiring one, seated upon his throne and he is the God of dominion. It is the Lord; he created her through the Holy Spirit, has seen her and taken note of her. He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.