Daily Readings - Sat Jan 19 2019
Hebrews
12For the Word of God is living and effective: more piercing than any two-edged sword, reaching to the division even between the soul and the spirit, even between the joints and the marrow, and so it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart13And there is no created thing that is invisible to his sight. For all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, about whom we are speaking14Therefore, since we have a great High Priest, who has pierced the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold to our confession15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion on our infirmities, but rather one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, yet without sin16Therefore, let us go forth with confidence toward the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace, in a helpful time
Mark
13And he departed again to the sea. And the entire crowd came to him, and he taught them14And as he was passing by, he saw Levi of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, "Follow me." And rising up, he followed him15And it happened that, as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat at table together with Jesus and his disciples. For those who followed him were many16And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with tax collectors and sinners, said to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?17Jesus, having heard this, said to them: "The healthy have no need of a doctor, but those who have maladies do. For I came not to call the just, but sinners.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about God's nature and Jesus' mission. The first reading from Hebrews describes the Word of God as a double-edged sword, piercing the soul and spirit, and emphasizes Jesus as a compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus' controversial act of calling Levi, a tax collector, and dining with sinners, leading to criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds by affirming his mission to call sinners, not the self-righteous.
The context of Hebrews is a letter to early Christians facing persecution, reassuring them of God's ever-present help and Jesus' empathy. Mark's passage highlights Jesus' unconventional ministry, engaging with those marginalized by society, which was controversial in a culture that valued purity.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on Jesus' understanding of human frailty and his mission to offer grace. The Word of God in Hebrews is powerful, discerning, and active, aligning with Jesus' actions in Mark as he brings mercy to those in need.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to embrace our need for God's mercy and extend compassion to others. Just as Jesus reached out to tax collectors and sinners, we should engage with those on the margins, offering love and understanding.
The moral lesson is clear: Jesus came for the sinners, not the self-righteous. We are all in need of God's grace, and our response should be humility and openness to His Word, allowing it to transform us. Let us follow Jesus' example, reaching out with love and compassion, trusting in His mercy to guide us.