Daily Readings - Fri Jan 27 2023
Hebrews
32But call to mind the former days, in which, after being enlightened, you endured a great struggle of afflictions33And certainly, in one way, by insults and tribulations, you were made a spectacle, but in another way, you became the companions of those who were the object of such behavior34For you even had compassion on those who were imprisoned, and you accepted with gladness being deprived of your goods, knowing that you have a better and more lasting substance35And so, do not lose your confidence, which has a great reward36For it is necessary for you to be patient, so that, by doing the will of God, you may receive the promise37"For, in a little while, and somewhat longer, he who is to come will return, and he will not delay38For my just man lives by faith. But if he were to draw himself back, he would not please my soul.39So then, we are not sons who are drawn away to perdition, but we are sons of faith toward the securing of the soul
Mark
26And he said: "The kingdom of God is like this: it is as if a man were to cast seed on the land27And he sleeps and he arises, night and day. And the seed germinates and grows, though he does not know it28For the earth bears fruit readily: first the plant, then the ear, next the full grain in the ear29And when the fruit has been produced, immediately he sends out the sickle, because the harvest has arrived.30And he said: "To what should we compare the kingdom of God? Or to what parable should we compare it31It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when it has been sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds which are in the earth32And when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all the plants, and it produces great branches, so much so that the birds of the air are able to live under its shadow.33And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as much as they were able to hear34But he did not speak to them without a parable. Yet separately, he explained all things to his disciples
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, patience, and the mysterious ways of God. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear a call to perseverance in the face of trials and afflictions. The author reminds us that our confidence in God should not waver, even when the journey is difficult, because it is through enduring these trials that we receive the promise of eternal life. This passage speaks to the early Christian community, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and hardship. It reminds us that true faith is not about immediate results but about trusting in God’s plan, even when the outcome is not yet visible.
In the Gospel, Mark presents two parables that shed light on the Kingdom of God. The first parable compares the Kingdom to a seed that grows mysteriously, even when the sower is unaware of its progress. The second parable likens it to a mustard seed, which, though small, grows into a mighty tree that shelters all. These parables teach us that the Kingdom of God is both hidden and transformative. It begins in small, imperceptible ways, but over time, it grows into something extraordinary. This mirrors the message of Hebrews: just as the seed requires patience and trust in the soil, our faith requires us to trust in God’s timing and providence.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not about quick fixes or immediate gratification. It is about trusting in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear or difficult. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this kind of faith—faith that endures trials, faith that trusts in the unseen, and faith that believes in the transformative power of God’s Kingdom. Let us, therefore, cultivate patience and perseverance, knowing that the seeds of faith we plant today will bear fruit in God’s time.