Daily Readings - Fri Feb 08 2019
Hebrews
1Let brotherly love continue.2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.4Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."6So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"7Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Mark
14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."15But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old."16But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."17For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you."23And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."24And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."25And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison28and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.29When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with two distinct yet interconnected messages. The Epistle from Hebrews encourages us to embrace fraternal charity, hospitality, and contentment, while warning against greed and immorality. It reminds us to support those in hardship and uphold the sanctity of marriage. The Gospel from Mark recounts the tragic story of John the Baptist's demise, highlighting the consequences of moral decay and the destructive power of sin.
The context of Hebrews is a letter to early Christians, urging them to maintain their faith and virtues amidst challenges. Mark's narrative, set during Jesus' ministry, illustrates the clash between moral integrity and sinful desires, as Herod's actions are driven by lust and pride. These readings relate by contrasting virtuous living with the fallout of sin, reminding us of the importance of moral integrity.
In our daily lives, we are called to embody the virtues from Hebrews—showing love, humility, and trust in God. Like John the Baptist, we must stand firm in our values, even when faced with adversity. The moral lesson here is clear: our choices have consequences, and living righteously requires courage and faith. Let us strive to uphold truth and virtue, trusting in God's presence to guide us through life's challenges.