Daily Readings - Thu Jan 31 2019
Hebrews
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Mark
21And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?22For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."24And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.25For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faith, integrity, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Hebrews encourages believers to approach God with a true heart, trusting in the sacrifice of Christ, which opens the way to the Holy of Holies. This passage, written to early Christians facing persecution, urges them to remain steadfast in their faith and to support one another in their spiritual journey. The second reading from Mark presents Jesus teaching about the inevitability of revelation and the importance of mindful judgment. Using the parable of the lamp, Jesus emphasizes that our actions and intentions will ultimately be revealed, and we will be measured by the same standard we use for others.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on living authentically and with integrity. Hebrews calls us to trust in God's faithfulness and to approach Him with sincerity, while Mark's Gospel reminds us that our deeds and judgments have consequences. Together, they remind us that our faith should manifest in our actions and that we should be mindful of how we treat others. This connection highlights the importance of living in a way that aligns our inner beliefs with our outward actions.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are encouraged to examine our faith and ensure it is evident in our deeds. We should approach each day with sincerity, trusting in God's presence and guidance. Additionally, we must be cautious in how we judge others, recognizing that the measure we use will be the measure we receive. This calls for compassion and fairness in our interactions. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's faithfulness and live with integrity and compassion, ensuring that our actions reflect our beliefs and that we treat others with the kindness and fairness we desire for ourselves.