Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 21, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 7.25 – 8.6
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.
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 3.7-12
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 insights into the nature of Jesus' ministry and His divine role. The passage from Hebrews highlights Jesus as the eternal High Priest who offered a single, perfect sacrifice for all sins, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood. This emphasizes His unique role in redeeming humanity, once and for all. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus' healing miracles and the recognition by unclean spirits of His divine identity as the Son of God are showcased, illustrating His authority and compassion.
The context of Hebrews is a theological argument comparing Jesus' priesthood to the old covenant, stressing His superiority and the eternal efficacy of His sacrifice. Mark's narrative, set in the early days of Jesus' ministry, demonstrates His power over both physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing His divine authority. Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus' divine identity and mission, with Hebrews focusing on His priestly role and Mark on His ministry and recognition by spiritual beings.
Applying these readings to our lives, we are reminded to trust in Jesus' sacrifice and acknowledge His sovereignty. His priesthood calls us to live with faith and gratitude, recognizing His ongoing intercession for us. The moral lesson is clear: Jesus is our eternal High Priest and the Son of God, whose authority and sacrifice shape our understanding of salvation and our daily walk with Him. Let us reflect on how His priesthood influences our faith and actions, striving to live in the light of His divine love and authority.