Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 1, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 12.4-7, 11-15
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
Psalm 103
1To David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses3He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities4He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion5He satisfies your desire with good things. Your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle6The Lord accomplishes mercies, and his judgment is for all who patiently endure injuries7He has made his ways known to Moses, his will to the sons of Israel8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9He will not be angry forever, and he will not threaten for eternity10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, and he has not repaid us according to our iniquities11For according to the height of the heavens above the earth, so has he reinforced his mercy toward those who fear him12As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us13As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who fear him14For he knows our form. He has called to mind that we are dust15Man: his days are like hay. Like the flower of the field, so will he flourish16For the spirit in him will pass away, and it will not remain, and he will know his place no longer17But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, and even unto eternity, upon those who fear him. And his justice is with the sons of the sons18with those who serve his covenant and have been mindful of his commandments by doing them19The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom will rule over all20Bless the Lord, all you his Angels: powerful in virtue, doing his word, in order to heed the voice of his discourse21Bless the Lord, all his hosts: his ministers who do his will22Bless the Lord, all his works: in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul
Gospel: Mark 6.1-6
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.