Daily Readings - Fri Jan 29 2021
Hebrews
32But call to mind the former days, in which, after being enlightened, you endured a great struggle of afflictions33And certainly, in one way, by insults and tribulations, you were made a spectacle, but in another way, you became the companions of those who were the object of such behavior34For you even had compassion on those who were imprisoned, and you accepted with gladness being deprived of your goods, knowing that you have a better and more lasting substance35And so, do not lose your confidence, which has a great reward36For it is necessary for you to be patient, so that, by doing the will of God, you may receive the promise37"For, in a little while, and somewhat longer, he who is to come will return, and he will not delay38For my just man lives by faith. But if he were to draw himself back, he would not please my soul.39So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul
Mark
26And he said: "The kingdom of God is like this: it is as if a man were to cast seed on the land27And he sleeps and he arises, night and day. And the seed germinates and grows, though he does not know it28For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear29And when the fruit has been produced, immediately he sends out the sickle, because the harvest has arrived.30And he said: "To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or to what parable should we compare it31It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it has been sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds which are in the earth32And when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the plants, and it produces great branches, so much so that the birds of the air are able to live under its shadow.33And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to hear34But he did not speak to them without a parable. Yet separately, he explained all things to his disciples
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, patience, and the mysterious ways of God’s kingdom. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear words of encouragement to the early Christian community, urging them to persevere through trials and hardships. The author reminds them of their past endurance and the joy they found in suffering for their faith. They are exhorted not to lose confidence, for their faith will be rewarded if they remain patient and trust in God’s promises. This passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity, knowing that God’s timing and plan are not always immediate or obvious.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to describe the kingdom of God. The first parable compares the kingdom to a seed that grows gradually, even without the farmer’s constant intervention. The second parable likens it to a mustard seed, which, though small, grows into a large plant that provides shelter for many. These parables teach us that God’s work often begins quietly and grows in ways we may not fully understand. Like the seed, our faith may start small, but with time and care, it can flourish and bear abundant fruit. Jesus’ use of parables also reminds us that spiritual truths are not always straightforward but require reflection and openness to God’s mystery.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s plan and to cultivate patience and faith in our daily lives. Just as the seed needs time to germinate and grow, our spiritual lives require us to wait on God and nurture our relationship with Him. In moments of uncertainty or difficulty, we are reminded that our confidence should not waver, for God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Let us strive to live as “sons and daughters of faith,” trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His time. May we also allow our faith to grow and bear fruit, becoming a source of hope and shelter for others, just as the mustard seed becomes a home for the birds of the air.