Daily Readings - Thu Jan 21 2021
Hebrews
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
Mark
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 insights into the nature of Jesus' ministry and His divine role. The passage from Hebrews highlights Jesus as the eternal High Priest who offered a single, perfect sacrifice for all sins, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood. This emphasizes His unique role in redeeming humanity, once and for all. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus' healing miracles and the recognition by unclean spirits of His divine identity as the Son of God are showcased, illustrating His authority and compassion.
The context of Hebrews is a theological argument comparing Jesus' priesthood to the old covenant, stressing His superiority and the eternal efficacy of His sacrifice. Mark's narrative, set in the early days of Jesus' ministry, demonstrates His power over both physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing His divine authority. Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus' divine identity and mission, with Hebrews focusing on His priestly role and Mark on His ministry and recognition by spiritual beings.
Applying these readings to our lives, we are reminded to trust in Jesus' sacrifice and acknowledge His sovereignty. His priesthood calls us to live with faith and gratitude, recognizing His ongoing intercession for us. The moral lesson is clear: Jesus is our eternal High Priest and the Son of God, whose authority and sacrifice shape our understanding of salvation and our daily walk with Him. Let us reflect on how His priesthood influences our faith and actions, striving to live in the light of His divine love and authority.