Daily Readings - Wed Feb 01 2023
Hebrews
4For you have not yet resisted unto blood, while striving against sin5And you have forgotten the consolation which speaks to you like sons, saying: "My son, do not be willing to neglect the discipline of the Lord. Neither should you become weary, while being rebuked by him.6For whomever the Lord loves, he chastises. And every son whom he accepts, he scourges7Persevere in discipline. God presents you to himself as sons. But what son is there, whom his father does not correct11Now every discipline, in the present time, does not seem a gladness, of course, but a grief. But afterwards, it will repay a most peaceful fruit of justice to those who become trained in it12Because of this, lift up your lazy hands and your lax knees13and straighten the path of your feet, so that no one, being lame, may wander astray, but instead may be healed14Pursue peace with everyone. Pursue sanctity, without which no one shall see God15Be contemplative, lest anyone lack the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness spring up and impede you, and by it, many might be defiled
Mark
1And departing from there, he went away to his own country; and his disciples followed him2And when the Sabbath arrived, he began to teach in the synagogue. And many, upon hearing him, were amazed at his doctrine, saying: "Where did this one get all these things?" and, "What is this wisdom, which has been given to him?" and, "Such powerful deeds, which are wrought by his hands!3"Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? Are not his sisters also here with us?" And they took great offense at him4And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred.5And he was not able to perform any miracles there, except that he cured a few of the infirm by laying his hands on them6And he wondered, because of their unbelief, and he traveled around in the villages, teaching
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faith, humility, and the challenges of living a life rooted in God’s will. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that discipline and perseverance are essential for our spiritual growth. The author encourages us to view life’s struggles as opportunities for purification and holiness, trusting that God’s correction is a sign of His love. This passage calls us to embrace the journey of sanctification, even when it is difficult, for it is through such trials that we are shaped into the people God intends us to be.
The Gospel from Mark presents a striking contrast. Jesus, who had been performing miracles and teaching with authority, is rejected in His own hometown. The people’s familiarity with Him breeds contempt, and their unbelief limits His ability to work miracles among them. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we, like the people of Nazareth, allow our preconceptions or pride to hinder our faith? Jesus’ words, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country,” remind us that even those closest to us may fail to see the truth. This invites us to reflect on how we receive God’s message in our lives and whether we allow it to transform us.
These readings are deeply connected. Both call us to humility and trust in God’s plan. The Hebrews passage encourages us to endure trials with faith, knowing they are part of God’s loving plan. The Gospel reminds us that faith is not about what we already know or think we understand but about surrendering to God’s will. In our daily lives, let us strive to embrace both the challenges and the graces God offers. May we not be limited by our own unbelief or the opinions of others but instead allow God to work in us and through us. As we pursue holiness, let us remember that true wisdom and power come not from human understanding but from a humble and open heart.