Daily Readings - Thu Jan 12 2023
Hebrews
7Because of this, it is just as the Holy Spirit says: "If today you hear his voice8harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, the very day of temptation, in the desert9where your fathers tested me, even though they had seen and examined my works for forty years10For this reason, I was enraged against this generation, and I said: They always wander astray in heart. For they have not known my ways11So it is as I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest!12Be cautious, brothers, lest perhaps there may be, in any of you, an evil heart of unbelief, turning aside from the living God13Instead, exhort one another every day, while it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you may become hardened through the falseness of sin14For we have been made participants in Christ. This is only so, if we firmly retain the beginning of his substance, even unto the end
Mark
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 two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Hebrews warns us against hardening our hearts, urging us to remain faithful and supportive of one another. The second reading from Mark shares the story of a leper who, with unwavering faith, approaches Jesus for healing. Jesus, moved by compassion, heals the leper and instructs him to present himself to the priests, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
These readings remind us of the delicate balance between individual faith and community support. The leper's courage to approach Jesus reflects the personal trust we must have in God, while the community aspect in Hebrews highlights the need for mutual encouragement to prevent our hearts from becoming hardened by sin. Just as the leper's healing was a testament to others, our actions and faith can inspire those around us.
In our daily lives, let us embrace this dual lesson. May we nurture our personal faith, trusting in God's grace, and actively support one another within our community. By doing so, we not only avoid the pitfalls of sin but also become beacons of hope and faith for others. The moral here is clear: faith and community are intertwined, each strengthening the other, leading us closer to God and fostering a spirit of compassion and trust.