Daily Readings - Sat Jan 23 2021
Hebrews
2For a tabernacle was made at first, in which were the lampstand, and the table, and the bread of the Presence, which is called Holy3Then, beyond the second veil, was the tabernacle, which is called the Holy of Holies11But Christ, standing as the High Priest of future good things, through a greater and more perfect tabernacle, one not made by hand, that is, not of this creation12entered once into the Holy of Holies, having obtained eternal redemption, neither by the blood of goats, nor of calves, but by his own blood13For if the blood of goats and oxen, and the ashes of a calf, when these are sprinkled, sanctify those who have been defiled, in order to cleanse the flesh14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the Holy Spirit has offered himself, immaculate, to God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, redemption, and the challenges of following Christ in a world that often misunderstands His mission. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of the ancient Jewish tabernacle and the rituals of atonement. The tabernacle, with its Holy of Holies, was a sacred space where the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. However, these sacrifices were limited, as they involved the blood of goats and calves, which could only purify the flesh, not the conscience. The author of Hebrews contrasts this with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the true Holy of Holies not made by human hands, offering His own blood to obtain eternal redemption for all. This passage emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is far greater than any earthly ritual, as it cleanses our consciences and enables us to serve the living God.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus facing opposition and misunderstanding, even from His own family. Mark tells us that Jesus’ relatives thought He had gone mad because of the crowds that gathered around Him, and they tried to restrain Him. This passage highlights the tension between the worldly perspective and the divine mission of Jesus. His family, like many others, could not fully grasp the depth of His calling or the radical nature of His message. This misunderstanding serves as a reminder that following Christ often requires us to step beyond the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable by the world.
These readings are connected by the theme of sacrifice and the challenges of living a life rooted in faith. The sacrifice of Christ, as described in Hebrews, is the ultimate act of love that frees us from sin and death. In Mark, we see that living in the light of this sacrifice can lead to misunderstandings and even rejection, as Jesus’ family and the crowd struggle to comprehend His mission. Yet, despite these challenges, Christ’s sacrifice gives us the freedom to live as children of God, unbound by the limitations of the world.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to embrace the radical freedom that Christ offers? Do we allow His sacrifice to transform our lives, even when it means facing misunderstanding or opposition? Let us remember that true redemption comes not from outward rituals or human efforts, but from the blood of Christ, which cleanses our consciences and enables us to live for God. May we, like Christ, be willing to step into the unknown, trusting in the power of His sacrifice to guide us.