Daily Readings - Tue Jan 10 2023
Hebrews
5For God did not subject the future world, about which we are speaking, to the Angels6But someone, in a certain place, has testified, saying: "What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the Son of man, that you visit him7You have reduced him to a little less than the Angels. You have crowned him with glory and honor, and you have set him over the works of your hands8You have subjected all things under his feet." For in as much as he has subjected all things to him, he has left nothing not subject to him. But in the present time, we do not yet perceive that all things have been made subject to him9Yet we understand that Jesus, who was reduced to a little less than the Angels, was crowned with glory and honor because of his Passion and death, in order that, by the grace of God, he might taste death for all10For it was fitting for him, because of whom and through whom all things exist, who had led many children into glory, to complete the authorship of their salvation through his Passion11For he who sanctifies, and those who are sanctified, are all from One. For this reason, he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying12"I will announce your name to my brothers. In the midst of the Church, I will praise you.
Mark
21And they entered into Capernaum. And entering into the synagogue promptly on the Sabbaths, he taught them22And they were astonished over his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one who has authority, and not like the scribes23And in their synagogue, there was a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out24saying: "What are we to you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.25And Jesus admonished him, saying, "Be silent, and depart from the man.26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, departed from him27And they were all so amazed that they inquired among themselves, saying: "What is this? And what is this new doctrine? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.28And his fame went out quickly, throughout the entire region of Galilee
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dignity and authority that God has entrusted to humanity, as well as the profound power of Jesus Christ to transform and save us. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear that God has placed all things under humanity’s care, crowning us with glory and honor. Yet, we also recognize that this dignity is not something we achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity and suffer for our salvation. The Gospel from Mark then shows us the practical expression of this authority, as Jesus teaches with divine power and casts out an unclean spirit, demonstrating his dominion over even the forces of evil.
The connection between the readings lies in the theme of authority and its proper use. In Hebrews, we see that true authority is not about domination but about stewardship and love, as God’s plan for humanity is one of care and responsibility over creation. In Mark, Jesus exercises his authority not to oppress but to free and to heal, showing that true power is rooted in self-giving love. Together, these readings remind us that our own authority, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, should be exercised in a way that reflects God’s love and care for the world.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the gifts and talents God has given us? Do we use them to build up others and bring healing to those around us, or do we use them for our own selfish desires? The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service, just as Jesus showed us. Let us strive to live with gratitude for the dignity God has given us, and let us trust in Jesus’ power to transform our lives and the world around us.