Daily Readings - Thu Jan 19 2023
Hebrews
25And for this reason, he is able, continuously, to save those who approach God through him, since he is ever alive to make intercession on our behalf26For it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted higher than the heavens27And he has no need, daily, in the manner of other priests, to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people. For he has done this once, by offering himself28For the law appoints men as priests, though they have infirmities. But, by the word of the oath that is after the law, the Son has been perfected for eternity
1Now the main point in the things that have been stated is this: that we have so great a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in the heavens2who is the minister of holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which was established by the Lord, not by man3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. Therefore, it is necessary for him also to have something to offer4And so, if he were upon the earth, he would not be a priest, since there would be others to offer gifts according to the law5gifts which serve as mere examples and shadows of the heavenly things. And so it was answered to Moses, when he was about to complete the tabernacle: "See to it," he said, "that you make everything according to the example which was revealed to you on the mountain.6But now he has been granted a better ministry, so much so that he is also the Mediator of a better testament, which has been confirmed by better promises
Mark
7But Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea. And a great crowd followed him from Galilee and Judea8and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea and across the Jordan. And those around Tyre and Sidon, upon hearing what he was doing, came to him in a great multitude9And he told his disciples that a small boat would be useful to him, because of the crowd, lest they press upon him10For he healed so many, that as many of them as had wounds would rush toward him in order to touch him11And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell prostrate before him. And they cried out, saying12"You are the Son of God." And he strongly admonished them, lest they make him known
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound identity and mission of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of Jesus' role as our eternal High Priest. Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, who were limited by their humanity and offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice—himself—once and for all. This passage emphasizes his divine priesthood, seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us continuously. The author of Hebrews highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood, which is rooted in his sinlessness and his eternal existence. This reality should fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that we have a perfect mediator who understands our weaknesses and advocates for us before the Father.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus in action, surrounded by crowds who are drawn to his healing power. The unclean spirits recognize him as the Son of God, but Jesus silences them. This moment in Mark's Gospel reveals the divine authority of Jesus, but it also shows his humility and focus on his mission. While the demons acknowledge his true identity, Jesus does not seek to draw attention to himself. Instead, he continues to serve the people, healing their wounds and teaching them about the kingdom of God. This passage invites us to reflect on how we acknowledge Jesus in our own lives. Do we recognize his divine presence in our midst? Do we allow his power to transform us, or do we try to control or manipulate it for our own purposes?
These readings call us to trust in Jesus' priesthood and his divine plan. Like the crowds in Mark's Gospel, we are often drawn to Jesus for what he can do for us, but we are invited to go deeper. We are called to recognize his true identity as the Son of God and to surrender our lives to his will. In a world that often seeks quick fixes and superficial solutions, we are reminded that true healing and transformation come from Jesus alone. Let us approach him with humility and faith, allowing his power to touch our lives and transform our hearts. May we, like the healed in the Gospel, bear witness to his love and mercy in all that we do.