Daily Readings - Fri Jan 22 2021
Hebrews
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 promises7For if the former one had been entirely without fault, then a place certainly would not have been sought for a subsequent one8For, finding fault with them, he says: "Behold, the days shall arrive, says the Lord, when I will consummate a New Testament over the house of Israel and the house of Judah9not according to the testament which I made with their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand, so that I might lead them away from the land of Egypt. For they did not remain in my testament, and so I disregarded them, says the Lord10For this is the testament which I will set before the house of Israel, after those days, says the Lord. I will instill my laws in their minds, and I will inscribe my laws on their hearts. And so, I will be their God, and they shall be my people11And they will not teach, each one his neighbor, and each one his brother, saying: ‘Know the Lord.’ For all shall know me, from the least, even to the greatest of them12For I will forgive their iniquities, and I will no longer remember their sins.13Now in saying something new, he has made the former old. But that which decays and grows old is close to passing away
Mark
13And ascending onto a mountain, he called to himself those whom he willed, and they came to him14And he acted so that the twelve would be with him, and so that he might send them out to preach15And he gave them authority to cure infirmities, and to cast out demons16and he imposed on Simon the name Peter17and also he imposed on James of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, the name ‘Boanerges,’ that is, ‘Sons of Thunder;18and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Canaanite19and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of transformation and divine calling. The first reading from Hebrews discusses the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing that the old was flawed and thus replaced by a covenant of forgiveness and direct knowledge of God. This new covenant is inscribed on hearts and minds, symbolizing a deeper, more personal relationship with God. The second reading from Mark illustrates Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds yet extraordinary mission to spread His message and perform miracles.
The context of these readings reveals a shift from the old to the new. Hebrews reflects on the theological significance of this transition, while Mark focuses on the practical aspect of Jesus establishing His ministry through the apostles. Both readings underscore the idea of new beginnings, whether in covenant or mission, emphasizing God's plan for renewal and service.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace new beginnings. Just as the old covenant gave way to the new, we can release outdated ways and welcome a Spirit-filled life. Like the apostles, we are ordinary individuals called to extraordinary service. The moral lesson here is one of trust and openness: trust in God's plan, let go of the past, and be ready to be used by God in our own unique ways. This reflection invites us to live with renewed faith, trusting in God's transformative power in our lives.