Daily Readings - Thu Jan 24 2019
Hebrews
25Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.26For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.27He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.28For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
1Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,2a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.4Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.5They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain."6But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Mark
7Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the sea, and a great crowd followed, from Galilee and Judea8and Jerusalem and Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and from around Tyre and Sidon. When the great crowd heard all that he was doing, they came to him.9And he told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him,10for he had healed many, so that all who had diseases pressed around him to touch him.11And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."12And he strictly ordered them not to make him known.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about Jesus Christ’s role as our High Priest and His divine authority. The first reading from Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ eternal priesthood, highlighting His ability to save us continuously through His perfect sacrifice. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus’ priesthood is undefiled and eternal, offering a once-for-all sacrifice that surpasses the limitations of the old covenant. This passage underscores the superiority of Christ’s ministry, seated at the right hand of God, mediating a better covenant with better promises.
In the Gospel from Mark, we witness Jesus’ compassion and power as He heals the sick and commands unclean spirits. The demons, recognizing His divine identity, fall prostrate before Him. Yet, Jesus admonishes them not to reveal His identity, teaching us about humility and the timing of God’s revelation. This passage shows Jesus as the ultimate healer and authority, whose power is beyond human understanding.
Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus as the ultimate intermediary between God and humanity. As our High Priest, He intercedes for us, and as the Son of God, He demonstrates divine authority. In our daily lives, we can approach Jesus with confidence, seeking healing and guidance. Let us trust in His power and live with humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others as Jesus did. May we draw near to Him, allowing His priesthood and authority to transform our lives.