Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2025
Hebrews
18But you have not drawn near to a tangible mountain, or a burning fire, or a whirlwind, or a mist, or a storm19or the sound of a trumpet, or a voice of words. Those who had experienced these things excused themselves, lest the Word be spoken to them21And what was seen was so terrible that even Moses said: "I am terrified, and so, I tremble.22But you have drawn near to mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of Angels23and to the Church of the first-born, those who have been inscribed in the heavens, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect24and to Jesus, the Mediator of the New Testament, and to a sprinkling of blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel
Mark
7And he called the twelve. And he began to send them out in twos, and he gave them authority over unclean spirits8And he instructed them not to take anything for the journey, except a staff: no traveling bag, no bread, and no money belt9but to wear sandals, and not to wear two tunics10And he said to them: "Whenever you have entered into a house, stay there until you depart from that place11And whoever will neither receive you, nor listen to you, as you go away from there, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.12And going out, they were preaching, so that people would repent13And they cast out many demons, and they anointed many of the sick with oil and healed them
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound biblical passages that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and our spiritual journey. The first reading from Hebrews contrasts the awe-inspiring, even terrifying, experience of Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the serene and grace-filled reality of the heavenly Jerusalem. This passage highlights the transition from the fear of the Old Covenant to the hope and joy of the New Covenant, reminding us that our true home is in heaven, where we are part of a vast community of believers, united in Christ.
The Gospel reading from Mark shows Jesus sending out the twelve apostles with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in God's providence rather than relying on material comforts. This passage underscores the importance of simplicity, detachment, and trust in God's plan. The apostles' mission is not just about what they do, but about how they embody their faith, trusting that God will provide what they need.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith journey. Like the apostles, we are called to trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. We are reminded that our ultimate home is not in this world but in the heavenly Jerusalem, where we will be united with all the saints. Let us embrace our mission with courage and simplicity, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. May we, like the apostles, go forth with faith, spreading the Good News and living as witnesses to God's love in our daily lives.