Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 14, 2021
First Reading: Leviticus 13.1-2, 45-46
1And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying2The man in whose skin or flesh there will have arisen a diverse color, or a pustule, or something that seems to shine, which is the mark of leprosy, shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to anyone you wish among his sons45shall have his clothes unstitched, his head bare, his mouth covered with a cloth, and he himself shall cry out that he is contaminated and filthy46The entire time that he is a leper and unclean he shall live alone outside the camp
Psalm 32
1The understanding of David himself. Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit3Because I was silent, my bones grew old, while still I cried out all day long4For, day and night, your hand was heavy upon me. I have been converted in my anguish, while still the thorn is piercing5I have acknowledged my offense to you, and I have not concealed my injustice. I said, "I will confess against myself, my injustice to the Lord," and you forgave the impiety of my sin6For this, everyone who is holy will pray to you in due time. Yet truly, in a flood of many waters, they will not draw near to him7You are my refuge from the tribulation that has surrounded me. You are my exultation: rescue me from those who are surrounding me8I will give you understanding, and I will instruct you in this way, in which you will walk. I will fix my eyes upon you9Do not become like the horse and the mule, which have no understanding. Their jaws are constrained with bit and bridle, so as not to draw near to you10Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround him that hopes in the Lord11Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you just ones, and glory, all you upright of heart
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10.31 – 11.1
31Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever else you may do, do everything for the glory of God32Be without offense toward the Jews, and toward the Gentiles, and toward the Church of God33just as I also, in all things, please everyone, not seeking what is best for myself, but what is best for many others, so that they may be saved
1Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ
Gospel: Mark 1.40-45
40And a leper came to him, begging him. And kneeling down, he said to him, "If you are willing, you are able to cleanse me.41Then Jesus, taking pity on him, reached out his hand. And touching him, he said to him: "I am willing. Be cleansed.42And after he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed43And he admonished him, and he promptly sent him away44And he said to him: "See to it that you tell no one. But go and show yourself to the high priest, and offer for your cleansing that which Moses instructed, as a testimony for them.45But having departed, he began to preach and to disseminate the word, so that he was no longer able to openly enter a city, but had to remain outside, in deserted places. And they were gathered to him from every direction
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter themes of isolation, compassion, and the call to live as examples of Christ. The first reading from Leviticus describes the isolation of those afflicted with leprosy, emphasizing the need for purification and adherence to ritual laws. This context highlights the societal and religious barriers faced by lepers, who were often shunned and forced to live on the fringes of community life. In contrast, the Gospel from Mark presents a radical act of compassion: Jesus reaches out to a leper, touches him, and heals him. This act not only restores the man physically but also challenges the social and religious norms that had excluded him. Jesus’ command to the healed leper to follow Moses’ instructions serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians bridges these themes by emphasizing the call to live in a way that honors God and imitates Christ. Paul urges believers to avoid offense and to seek the good of others, even if it means personal sacrifice. This selfless approach to life reflects the same compassion and love that Jesus demonstrated in healing the leper. Together, these readings invite us to consider how we might break down barriers and reach out to those who feel isolated or marginalized in our own world.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How can we, like Jesus, show compassion to those who feel excluded or forgotten? How can we, like Paul, live in a way that reflects the love and mercy of Christ? May we be inspired to imitate Christ by reaching out to others with kindness and generosity, and may we always seek to bring healing and hope to a world in need.