Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 18, 2025

First Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16

¹²For the Word of God is living and effective: more piercing than any two-edged sword, reaching to the division even between the soul and the spirit, even between the joints and the marrow, and so it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart¹³And there is no created thing that is invisible to his sight. For all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, about whom we are speaking¹⁴Therefore, since we have a great High Priest, who has pierced the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, we should hold to our confession¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to have compassion on our infirmities, but rather one who was tempted in all things, just as we are, yet without sin¹⁶Therefore, let us go forth with confidence toward the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace, in a helpful time

Psalm 19

Psalms

Chapter 19

¹Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands²Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge³There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard⁴Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world⁵He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way⁶his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat⁷The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones⁸The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes⁹The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves¹⁰desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb¹¹For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards¹²Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord¹³and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression¹⁴And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer

Gospel: Mark 2.13-17

Mark

Chapter 2

¹³And he departed again to the sea. And the entire crowd came to him, and he taught them¹⁴And as he was passing by, he saw Levi of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs office. And he said to him, "Follow me." And rising up, he followed him¹⁵And it happened that, as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat at table together with Jesus and his disciples. For those who followed him were many¹⁶And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with tax collectors and sinners, said to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?¹⁷Jesus, having heard this, said to them: "The healthy have no need of a doctor, but those who have maladies do. For I came not to call the just, but sinners.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about God's nature and Jesus' mission. The passage from Hebrews reminds us of the power and piercing nature of God's Word, which sees into the depths of our souls. It also presents Jesus as our compassionate High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God's throne with confidence. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus' ministry to the marginalized, as He calls Levi, a tax collector, and dines with sinners. This act of inclusion sparks criticism from the Pharisees, to which Jesus responds by emphasizing His mission to call not the righteous, but sinners. This highlights His message of mercy and the importance of reaching out to those on the fringes. These readings together remind us of the dual nature of our faith: the powerful Word of God and the compassionate heart of Jesus. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace both—confidently approaching God, knowing He understands our struggles, and emulating Jesus' openness to others. Let us reflect on our own humility and willingness to engage with those around us, just as Jesus did, fostering a community of compassion and inclusion.