Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 24, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 7.25 – 8.6
25And for this reason, he is able, continuously, to save those who approach God through him, since he is ever alive to make intercession on our behalf26For it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens27And he has no need, daily, in the manner of other priests, to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people. For he has done this once, by offering himself28For the law appoints men as priests, though they have infirmities. But, by the word of the oath that is after the law, the Son has been perfected for eternity
1Now the main point in the things that have been stated is this: that we have so great a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in the heavens2who is the minister of holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which was established by the Lord, not by man3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. Therefore, it is necessary for him also to have something to offer4And so, if he were upon the earth, he would not be a priest, since there would be others to offer gifts according to the law5gifts which serve as mere examples and shadows of the heavenly things. And so it was answered to Moses, when he was about to complete the tabernacle: "See to it," he said, "that you make everything according to the example which was revealed to you on the mountain.6But now he has been granted a better ministry, so much so that he is also the Mediator of a better testament, which has been confirmed by better promises
Psalm 40
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David himself. I have waited expectantly for the Lord, and he was attentive to me2And he heard my prayers and he led me out of the pit of misery and the quagmire. And he stationed my feet upon a rock, and he directed my steps3And he sent a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many will see, and they will fear; and they will hope in the Lord4Blessed is the man whose hope is in the name of the Lord, and who has no respect for vanities and absurd falsehoods5You have accomplished your many wonders, O Lord my God, and there is no one similar to you in your thoughts. I have announced and I have spoken: they are multiplied beyond number6Sacrifice and oblation, you did not want. But you have perfected ears for me. Holocaust and sin offering, you did not require7Then I said, "Behold, I draw near." At the head of the book, it has been written of me8that I should do your will. My God, I have willed it. And your law is in the midst of my heart9I have announced your justice in a great Church: behold, I will not restrain my lips. O Lord, you have known it10I have not concealed your justice within my heart. I have spoken your truth and your salvation. I have not concealed your mercy and your truth from a great assembly11O Lord, do not take your tender mercies far from me. Your mercy and your truth ever sustain me12For evils without number have surrounded me. My iniquities have taken hold of me, and I was not able to see. They have been multiplied beyond the hairs of my head. And my heart has forsaken me13Be pleased, O Lord, to rescue me. Look down, O Lord, to help me14Let them together be confounded and awed, who seek after my soul to steal it away. Let them be turned back and be in awe, who wish evils upon me15Let them bear their confusion all at once, who say to me, "Well, well.16Let all who seek you exult and rejoice over you. And let those who love your salvation always say, "May the Lord be magnified.17But I am a beggar and poor. The Lord has been concerned about me. You are my helper and my protector. My God, do not delay
Gospel: Mark 3.7-12
7But Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea. And a great crowd followed him from Galilee and Judea8and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea and across the Jordan. And those around Tyre and Sidon, upon hearing what he was doing, came to him in a great multitude9And he told his disciples that a small boat would be useful to him, because of the crowd, lest they press upon him10For he healed so many, that as many of them as had wounds would rush toward him in order to touch him11And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell prostrate before him. And they cried out, saying12"You are the Son of God." And he strongly admonished them, lest they make him known
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about Jesus Christ’s role as our High Priest and His divine authority. The first reading from Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ eternal priesthood, highlighting His ability to save us continuously through His perfect sacrifice. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus’ priesthood is undefiled and eternal, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that surpasses the limitations of the old covenant. This passage underscores the superiority of Christ’s ministry, seated at the right hand of God, mediating a better covenant with better promises.
In the Gospel from Mark, we witness Jesus’ compassion and power as He heals the sick and commands unclean spirits. The demons, recognizing His divine identity, fall prostrate before Him. Yet, Jesus admonishes them not to reveal His identity, teaching us about humility and the timing of God’s revelation. This passage shows Jesus as the ultimate healer and authority, whose power is beyond human understanding.
Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus as the ultimate intermediary between God and humanity. As our High Priest, He intercedes for us, and as the Son of God, He demonstrates divine authority. In our daily lives, we can approach Jesus with confidence, seeking healing and guidance. Let us trust in His power and live with humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others as Jesus did. May we draw near to Him, allowing His priesthood and authority to transform our lives.