Daily Readings - Sat Jan 14 2023
Hebrews
12For the Word of God is living and effective: more piercing than any two-edged sword, reaching to the division even between the soul and the spirit, even between the joints and the marrow, and so it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart13And there is no created thing that is invisible to his sight. For all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, about whom we are speaking14Therefore, since we have a great High Priest, who has pierced the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold to our confession15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion on our infirmities, but rather one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, yet without sin16Therefore, let us go forth with confidence toward the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace, in a helpful time
Mark
13And he departed again to the sea. And the entire crowd came to him, and he taught them14And as he was passing by, he saw Levi of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, "Follow me." And rising up, he followed him15And it happened that, as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat at table together with Jesus and his disciples. For those who followed him were many16And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with tax collectors and sinners, said to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?17Jesus, having heard this, said to them: "The healthy have no need of a doctor, but those who have maladies do. For I came not to call the just, but sinners.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful truths about God’s Word and Jesus’ mission of mercy. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It emphasizes that nothing is hidden from God’s sight and encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and is always ready to show mercy. The Gospel from Mark then presents Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, and dining with sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question his actions. Jesus responds by declaring that he came not for the righteous but for sinners, likening himself to a doctor who heals the sick.
These readings are deeply connected. In Hebrews, we see the power and penetrating nature of God’s Word, which judges the heart but also offers grace. In Mark, we see this Word made flesh in Jesus, who embodies God’s mercy by reaching out to those on the margins. Both readings highlight Jesus’ compassion and understanding of human frailty. The Pharisees’ criticism reveals a misunderstanding of God’s heart, which is not about condemnation but about healing and restoration. Jesus’ actions show that true righteousness is not about separating oneself from sinners but about bringing them closer to God’s love.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we approach God and others. Do we come to God with confidence, knowing he sees our struggles and desires to heal us? Do we, like Jesus, reach out to those who feel unworthy or excluded? The moral lesson here is clear: God’s mercy is not reserved for the perfect but for the imperfect. We are all sinners in need of grace, and we are called to be instruments of that grace in the world. Let us, therefore, approach life with humility, compassion, and a willingness to embrace others as Jesus did, remembering that the greatest sinners are often the ones who need God’s love the most.