Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 16, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 2.14-18
14Therefore, because children have a common flesh and blood, he himself also, in like manner, has shared in the same, so that through death, he might destroy him who held the dominion of death, that is, the devil15and so that he might free those who, through the fear of death, had been condemned to servitude throughout their entire life16For at no time did he take hold of the Angels, but instead he took hold of the offspring of Abraham17Therefore, it is fitting for him to be made similar to his brothers in all things, so that he might become a merciful and faithful High Priest before God, in order that he might bring forgiveness to the offenses of the people18For in as much as he himself has suffered and has been tempted, he also is able to assist those who are tempted
Psalm 105
1Alleluia. Confess to the Lord, and invoke his name. Announce his works among the nations2Sing to him, and sing psalms to him. Describe all his wonders3Be praised in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice4Seek the Lord, and be confirmed. Seek his face always5Remember his miracles, which he has done, his portents and the judgments of his mouth6you offspring of Abraham his servant, you sons of Jacob his elect7He is the Lord our God. His judgments are throughout the entire earth8He has remembered his covenant for all ages: the word that he entrusted to a thousand generations9which he assigned to Abraham, and his oath to Isaac10And he stationed the same for Jacob with a precept, and for Israel with an eternal testament11saying: To you, I will give the land of Canaan, the allotment of your inheritance12Though they may have been but a small number, very few and foreigners there13and though they passed from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people14he allowed no man to harm them, and he reproved kings on their behalf15Do not be willing to touch my Christ, and do not be willing to malign my prophets16And he called a famine upon the land, and he crushed every foundation of the bread17He sent a man before them: Joseph, who had been sold as a slave18They humbled his feet in shackles; the iron pierced his soul19until his word arrived. The eloquence of the Lord inflamed him20The king sent and released him; he was the ruler of the people, and he dismissed him21He established him as master of his house and ruler of all his possessions22so that he might instruct his princes as himself, and teach his elders prudence23And Israel entered into Egypt, and Jacob became a sojourner in the land of Ham24And he helped his people greatly, and he strengthened them over their enemies25He turned their heart to hate his people, and to deal deceitfully with his servants26He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, the one whom he chose27He placed with them signs of his word, and portents in the land of Ham28He sent darkness and made it conceal, and he did not afflict them with his speech29He turned their waters into blood, and he slaughtered their fish30Their land brought forth frogs, even in the inner chambers of their kings31He spoke, and there came forth common flies and gnats, in every region32He gave them a shower of hail and a burning fire, in the same land33And he struck their vineyards and their fig trees, and he crushed the trees of their region34He spoke, and the locust came forth, and the caterpillar, of which there was no number35And it devoured all the grass in their land, and it consumed all the fruit of their land36And he struck all the first-born in their land, the first-fruits of all their labor37And he led them out with silver and gold, and there was not an infirm one among their tribes38Egypt was joyful at their departure, for the fear of them lay heavy upon them39He spread a cloud for their protection, and a fire, to give them light through the night40They petitioned, and the quail came; and he satisfied them with the bread of heaven41He ruptured the rock and the waters flowed: rivers gushed in the dry land42For he had called to mind his holy word, which he kept near to his servant Abraham43And he led forth his people in exultation, and his elect in rejoicing44And he gave them the regions of the Gentiles, and they possessed the labors of the peoples45so that they might observe his justifications, and inquire about his law
Gospel: Mark 1.29-39
29And soon after departing from the synagogue, they went into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John30But the mother-in-law of Simon lay ill with a fever. And at once they told him about her31And drawing near to her, he raised her up, taking her by the hand. And immediately the fever left her, and she ministered to them32Then, when evening arrived, after the sun had set, they brought to him all who had maladies and those who had demons33And the entire city was gathered together at the door34And he healed many who were troubled with various illnesses. And he cast out many demons, but he would not permit them to speak, because they knew him35And rising up very early, departing, he went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed36And Simon, and those who were with him, followed after him37And when they had found him, they said to him, "For everyone is seeking you.38And he said to them: "Let us go into the neighboring towns and cities, so that I may preach there also. Indeed, it was for this reason that I came.39And he was preaching in their synagogues and throughout all of Galilee, and casting out demons
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about Jesus' mission and His compassionate nature. The Epistle from Hebrews reveals that Jesus shares our humanity to conquer death and free us from the devil's grip. As our High Priest, He understands our struggles and offers mercy and forgiveness. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates His power by healing the sick and casting out demons, showcasing His divine authority and compassion. These acts highlight His mission to preach and bring salvation.
The connection between the readings lies in their portrayal of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the powerful savior. Hebrews provides the theological foundation of His incarnation and priesthood, while Mark illustrates this through miracles and ministry. Together, they show that Jesus' power is not just in miracles but in His deep understanding of human suffering.
In our daily lives, we face struggles and temptations, but we can trust in Jesus' mercy and power. Like those who brought their sick to Him, we should turn to Him in faith. The moral lesson is clear: trust in Jesus' understanding and power. He knows our struggles and is always ready to help. Let us bring our challenges to Him, trusting in His plan and mercy, and find strength in His presence.