Daily Readings - Thu Jan 16 2025
Hebrews
7Because of this, it is just as the Holy Spirit says: "If today you hear his voice8harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, the very day of temptation, in the desert9where your fathers tested me, even though they had seen and examined my works for forty years10For this reason, I was enraged against this generation, and I said: They always wander astray in heart. For they have not known my ways11So it is as I swore in my wrath: They shall not enter into my rest!12Be cautious, brothers, lest perhaps there may be, in any of you, an evil heart of unbelief, turning aside from the living God13Instead, exhort one another every day, while it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you may become hardened through the falseness of sin14For we have been made participants in Christ. This is only so, if we firmly retain the beginning of his substance, even unto the end
Mark
40And a leper came to him, begging him. And kneeling down, he said to him, "If you are willing, you are able to cleanse me.41Then Jesus, taking pity on him, reached out his hand. And touching him, he said to him: "I am willing. Be cleansed.42And after he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed43And he admonished him, and he promptly sent him away44And he said to him: "See to it that you tell no one. But go and show yourself to the high priest, and offer for your cleansing that which Moses instructed, as a testimony for them.45But having departed, he began to preach and to disseminate the word, so that he was no longer able to openly enter a city, but had to remain outside, in deserted places. And they were gathered to him from every direction
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith and compassion. The first reading from Hebrews warns against hardening our hearts, referencing the Israelites' disobedience in the desert despite witnessing God's miracles. It urges believers to support one another in faith and avoid the deceit of sin. The Gospel from Mark tells the story of a leper who, with humble faith, asks Jesus for healing. Jesus, moved by pity, heals him with a touch, embodying divine mercy.
These readings connect through themes of faith and response. The leper's plea demonstrates unwavering trust in Jesus' power, while Jesus' compassionate response illustrates God's loving nature. The man's eagerness to spread the news, despite Jesus' request for discretion, highlights the tension between human impulse and divine guidance, reflecting the Hebrews passage's caution against unbelief.
In our daily lives, these lessons encourage us to maintain faith and trust in God, especially during trials. Like the leper, we should approach God with humility and confidence. Additionally, Jesus' compassionate act reminds us to extend mercy to others. Let us strive to keep our hearts open to God's will and be vessels of His compassion, reflecting His love in our actions and decisions.