Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 29, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 10.1-10
1For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.2Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sin?3But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin every year.4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.5Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;6in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.7Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'"8When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law),9then he added, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second.10And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.2He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!5You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.6Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.7Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:8I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."9I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.10I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.11As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!12For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!14Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt!15Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"17As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Gospel: Mark 3.31-35
31And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.32And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you."33And he answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"34And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!35Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, obedience, and the true meaning of family in God’s plan. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear about the limitations of the old covenant sacrifices. These sacrifices, repeated year after year, could never fully take away sins; they only served as a reminder of sin. But Christ, by offering his own body once for all, has perfected those who are sanctified through his will. This passage emphasizes that true worship is not about outward rituals but about surrendering to God’s will and living in accordance with it.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a moment where Jesus redefines family. When his mother and brothers come to find him, Jesus looks at the crowd around him and says, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister, and mother.” This is not a rejection of his family but an expansion of the concept of family. Jesus is teaching that our spiritual bonds, formed through fidelity to God’s will, are just as real and meaningful as biological ties. True kinship in God’s kingdom is not limited to blood relations but extends to all who seek to do God’s will.
Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in sacrifice and obedience. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, once for all, has made us holy, but we must continue to live out this holiness by doing God’s will. In our daily lives, this means prioritizing prayer, service, and love. It also means recognizing that our true family extends beyond our immediate circle to include all those who seek to follow God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in accordance with God’s will? Am I building bonds of love and unity with my spiritual family? May we find strength in Christ’s sacrifice and strive to live as true children of God, united in faith and purpose.