Daily Readings - Fri Jan 13 2023
Hebrews
1Therefore, we should be afraid, lest the promise of entering into his rest may be relinquished, and some of you may be judged to be lacking2For this was announced to us in a similar manner as to them. But the mere hearing of the word did not benefit them, since it was not joined together with a faith in those things that they heard3For we who have believed shall enter into rest, in the same manner as he said: "So it is as I have sworn in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest!" And certainly, this is when the works from the foundation of the world have been finished4For, in a certain place, he spoke about the seventh day in this manner: "And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.5And in this place again: "They shall not enter into my rest!11Therefore, let us hasten to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same example of unbelief
Mark
1And after some days, he again entered into Capernaum2And it was heard that he was in the house. And so many gathered that there was no room left, not even at the door. And he spoke the word to them3And they came to him, bringing a paralytic, who was being carried by four men4And when they were not able to present him to him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was. And opening it, they lowered down the stretcher on which the paralytic was lying5Then, when Jesus had seen their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you.6But some of the scribes were sitting in that place and thinking in their hearts7"Why is this man speaking in this way? He is blaspheming. Who can forgive sins, but God alone?8At once, Jesus, realizing in his spirit that they were thinking this within themselves, said to them: "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts9Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up, take up your stretcher, and walk?10But so that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he said to the paralytic11"I say to you: Rise up, take up your stretcher, and go into your house.12And immediately he got up, and lifting up his stretcher, he went away in the sight of them all, so that they all wondered. And they honored God, by saying, "We have never seen anything like this.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, rest, and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of God’s promise of rest, which is not merely a physical repose but a spiritual state of trust and surrender to God’s plan. The author warns us against unbelief, which can prevent us from entering into this rest. The passage emphasizes that true faith is not just hearing the word of God but living it out in obedience and trust. In the Gospel, Mark presents a vivid scene of Jesus healing a paralytic, which is both a physical and spiritual restoration. The faith of the paralytic and his friends moves Jesus to forgive sins and restore health, demonstrating His divine authority to heal both body and soul.
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on faith as the foundation for receiving God’s grace. In Hebrews, faith is the key to entering into God’s rest, while in Mark, faith leads to the forgiveness of sins and physical healing. Both readings remind us that faith is not passive but active—it requires trust, perseverance, and surrender to God’s will. The scribes in the Gospel, who question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, represent those who allow doubt and legalism to hinder their faith. In contrast, the paralytic and his friends exemplify the kind of faith that overcomes obstacles and leads to transformation.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our own faith. Do we truly trust in God’s promises, or do we allow fear and doubt to hold us back? The paralytic’s friends teach us the importance of interceding for others and persisting in prayer, even when the path seems impossible. Let us strive to live out our faith with courage and humility, knowing that God’s rest and healing are available to us. May we, like the crowd in Capernaum, marvel at the wonders of God and give Him glory in all that we do.