Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 4, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 12.18-19, 21-24
18But you have not drawn near to a tangible mountain, or a burning fire, or a whirlwind, or a mist, or a storm19or the sound of a trumpet, or a voice of words. Those who had experienced these things excused themselves, lest the Word be spoken to them21And what was seen was so terrible that even Moses said: "I am terrified, and so, I tremble.22But you have drawn near to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of Angels23and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect24and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament, and to a sprinkling of blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel
Psalm 48
1A Canticle Psalm. To the sons of Korah, on the second Sabbath. The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy, in the city of our God, on his holy mountain2Mount Zion is being founded with the exultation of the whole earth, on the north side, the city of the great king3In her houses, God will be known, since he will support her4For behold, the kings of the earth have been gathered together; they have convened as one5Such did they see, and they were astonished: they were disturbed, they were moved6Trembling took hold of them. In that place, their pains were that of a woman in labor7With a vehement spirit, you will crush the ships of Tarshish8As we have heard, so we have seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God. God has founded it in eternity9We have received your mercy, O God, in the midst of your temple10According to your name, O God, so does your praise reach to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of justice11Let mount Zion rejoice, and let the daughters of Judah exult, because of your judgments, O Lord12Encircle Zion and embrace her. Discourse in her towers13Set your hearts on her virtue. And distribute her houses, so that you may discourse of it in another generation14For this is God, our God, in eternity and forever and ever. He will rule us forever
Gospel: Mark 6.7-13
7And he called the twelve. And he began to send them out in twos, and he gave them authority over unclean spirits8And he instructed them not to take anything for the journey, except a staff: no traveling bag, no bread, and no money belt9but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics10And he said to them: "Whenever you have entered into a house, stay there until you depart from that place11And whoever will neither receive you, nor listen to you, as you go away from there, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.12And going out, they were preaching, so that people would repent13And they cast out many demons, and they anointed many of the sick with oil and healed them
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the heavenly reality of Mount Zion. Sinai, with its fire and storm, represents the fear and awe of encountering God's power, while Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, is a place of peace and communion with God and the saints. This passage emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant, where Jesus, the Mediator, offers a sacrifice that speaks more powerfully than the blood of Abel.
The Gospel from Mark shows Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision, and to be bold in their mission. The apostles' success in their mission demonstrates the power of faith and trust in God. This reading encourages us to be courageous in sharing the Gospel and to rely on God's grace rather than material possessions.
These readings remind us that living a life of faith requires trust in God's plan and provision. Just as the apostles were sent out with minimal provisions but with great authority, we too can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God will provide. Let us strive to live with faith, trusting in God's grace, and be bold in spreading His word in our daily lives.