Daily Readings - Tue Jan 12 2021
Hebrews
5For God did not subject the future world, about which we are speaking, to the Angels6But someone, in a certain place, has testified, saying: "What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the Son of man, that you visit him7You have reduced him to a little less than the Angels. You have crowned him with glory and honor, and you have set him over the works of your hands8You have subjected all things under his feet." For in as much as he has subjected all things to him, he has left nothing not subject to him. But in the present time, we do not yet perceive that all things have been made subject to him9Yet we understand that Jesus, who was reduced to a little less than the Angels, was crowned with glory and honor because of his Passion and death, in order that, by the grace of God, he might taste death for all10For it was fitting for him, because of whom and through whom all things exist, who had led many children into glory, to complete the authorship of their salvation through his Passion11For he who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified, are all from One. For this reason, he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying12"I will announce your name to my brothers. In the midst of the Church, I will praise you.
Mark
21And they entered into Capernaum. And entering into the synagogue promptly on the Sabbaths, he taught them22And they were astonished over his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one who has authority, and not like the scribes23And in their synagogue, there was a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out24saying: "What are we to you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.25And Jesus admonished him, saying, "Be silent, and depart from the man.26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, departed from him27And they were all so amazed that they inquired among themselves, saying: "What is this? And what is this new doctrine? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.28And his fame went out quickly, throughout the entire region of Galilee
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of Jesus' authority and humanity's place in God's plan. The passage from Hebrews reminds us that God has entrusted humanity with dominion over creation, just below the angels, and that Jesus, through his Passion, has been crowned with glory and honor. This text emphasizes Jesus' role in salvation, highlighting that he is not ashamed to call us his brothers, illustrating a deep bond between the divine and human.
In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus teaching with authority in the synagogue, where he confronts and casts out an unclean spirit. This episode showcases Jesus' divine authority, as even the spirits obey him. The people are amazed, recognizing the new doctrine and power that Jesus embodies. This event establishes Jesus' identity and mission, demonstrating that his authority is not just over spirits but over all aspects of human life.
These readings invite us to reflect on Jesus' authority in our lives. Just as the people in Capernaum recognized his power, we too can acknowledge his dominion over our struggles and sins. By trusting in Jesus' authority, we submit to his will, allowing him to guide and transform us. This submission leads to freedom and new life, as seen in the man delivered from the spirit. Let us embrace Jesus' authority, trusting in his power to lead us through life's challenges, and find peace in his divine care.