Daily Readings - Wed Feb 05 2025
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 encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that discipline is an act of God's love, shaping us to holiness. It encourages perseverance, even when the journey is difficult, trusting that God's plan is for our good. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus facing rejection in His hometown, where familiarity bred contempt, hindering the miracles that could have occurred.
These readings together teach us about faith and trust in God's plan. Hebrews emphasizes enduring trials as a form of divine discipline, while Mark shows how unbelief can limit God's work in our lives. Both remind us to look beyond the ordinary and trust in God's extraordinary plan, even when faced with doubt or hardship.
In our daily lives, let us embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain open to God's presence. Let us not let familiarity or doubt blind us to His work. May we trust in His plan, knowing that perseverance and faith will lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.