Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 19, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.3There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.4Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;9the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 2.13-17
13He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.15And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.16And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"17And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about God's nature and Jesus' mission. The first reading from Hebrews describes the Word of God as a double-edged sword, piercing the soul and spirit, and emphasizes Jesus as a compassionate High Priest who understands our weaknesses. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus' controversial act of calling Levi, a tax collector, and dining with sinners, leading to criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus responds by affirming his mission to call sinners, not the self-righteous.
The context of Hebrews is a letter to early Christians facing persecution, reassuring them of God's ever-present help and Jesus' empathy. Mark's passage highlights Jesus' unconventional ministry, engaging with those marginalized by society, which was controversial in a culture that valued purity.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on Jesus' understanding of human frailty and his mission to offer grace. The Word of God in Hebrews is powerful, discerning, and active, aligning with Jesus' actions in Mark as he brings mercy to those in need.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to embrace our need for God's mercy and extend compassion to others. Just as Jesus reached out to tax collectors and sinners, we should engage with those on the margins, offering love and understanding.
The moral lesson is clear: Jesus came for the sinners, not the self-righteous. We are all in need of God's grace, and our response should be humility and openness to His Word, allowing it to transform us. Let us follow Jesus' example, reaching out with love and compassion, trusting in His mercy to guide us.