Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 22, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 8.6-13
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.7For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.8For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,9not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.11And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.12For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."13In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Psalm 85
1LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah3You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.4Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us!5Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?6Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?7Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.8Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.9Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.10Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.11Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky.12Yes, the LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.13Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.
Gospel: Mark 3.13-19
13And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him.14And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach15and have authority to cast out demons.16He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);17James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);18Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean,19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of transformation and divine calling. The first reading from Hebrews discusses the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing that the old was flawed and thus replaced by a covenant of forgiveness and direct knowledge of God. This new covenant is inscribed on hearts and minds, symbolizing a deeper, more personal relationship with God. The second reading from Mark illustrates Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds yet extraordinary mission to spread His message and perform miracles.
The context of these readings reveals a shift from the old to the new. Hebrews reflects on the theological significance of this transition, while Mark focuses on the practical aspect of Jesus establishing His ministry through the apostles. Both readings underscore the idea of new beginnings, whether in covenant or mission, emphasizing God's plan for renewal and service.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace new beginnings. Just as the old covenant gave way to the new, we can release outdated ways and welcome a Spirit-filled life. Like the apostles, we are ordinary individuals called to extraordinary service. The moral lesson here is one of trust and openness: trust in God's plan, let go of the past, and be ready to be used by God in our own unique ways. This reflection invites us to live with renewed faith, trusting in God's transformative power in our lives.