Daily Readings - Sat Jan 16 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s Word and the compassion of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear that the Word of God is “living and effective,” capable of piercing to the very depths of our being, discerning our thoughts and intentions. This passage emphasizes the transcendence of God’s Word, which sees through all pretenses and understands the deepest recesses of our hearts. It also reminds us that Jesus, as our great High Priest, is not distant or unfeeling but one who understands our weaknesses and temptations, having experienced them himself, though without sin. This truth should fill us with confidence to approach God’s throne of grace, where we can find mercy and help in our time of need.
In the Gospel, Mark presents us with a vivid scene of Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, and then dining with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes are scandalized by this, but Jesus responds by declaring that he came not to call the righteous but sinners. This passage underscores Jesus’ mission to reach out to those on the margins, those who recognize their need for God’s mercy. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward others and ourselves. Are we like the Pharisees, judging others for their imperfections, or are we like Levi and the sinners, humbly acknowledging our need for God’s grace?
These readings are deeply connected. The Word of God, as described in Hebrews, is not just a distant truth but a living force that actively seeks to heal and transform us. Jesus, in the Gospel, embodies this Word, reaching out to those who are broken and in need. For us, this means that our faith is not about being perfect or self-righteous but about recognizing our own need for mercy and extending that same compassion to others. Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands our struggles. And let us imitate his example by reaching out to those around us who may feel excluded or unworthy, offering them the same grace and love we have received.