Isaiah 35: 4-7; Psalm 145(146):7-10; James 2: 1-5; Mark 8: 27-35
First Isaiah preached in Jerusalem before the exile in 587 BC. In God’s presence in the Temple, Isaiah became aware that the great sin is pride: we think we can “do it my way”. The nation’s disasters were their own fault. They must trust in God, especially in face of the constant threats from Assyria. After dire descriptions of the calamities to come, Isaiah paints this encouraging eschatological picture of the kingdom in the end time.
The psalm praises and thanks God for his generosity and kindness, especially to those who put their trust in him.
James continues his theme that faith must be shown in what we do. His mentioning “synagogue” reminds us how Jewish was the Christian community this “brother of the Lord” was writing for. He insists that faith in Jesus is not compatible with treating people differently depending how we see them. We are in no position to judge the worth of others.
In Mark’s Gospel we see God’s kingdom breaking into creation, as Jesus heals first the Syro-phoenician woman’s daughter and then a deaf-mute. Isaiah’s prophecy is being fulfilled. Naturally the disciples cannot help spreading this good news far and wide. But Jesus cautions them not to do so yet, because his work will not be understood until after the Crucifixion.
Psalm Response: My soul, give praise to the Lord.
(Isaiah 35: 4-7; Psalm 145(146):7-10; James 2: 1-5; Mark 8: 27-35)