Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 5, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 13.1-8
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.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Gospel: Mark 6.14-29
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live with integrity, compassion, and courage in the face of challenging circumstances. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded to practice fraternal charity and hospitality, to be content with what we have, and to trust in God’s presence and care. The author encourages us to imitate the faith of our spiritual leaders and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This passage emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in practical ways, especially through our relationships with others and our trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast to the ideals of the first reading. The story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom reveals the darker side of human nature—jealousy, pride, and the abuse of power. Herod, swayed by his own desires and the manipulations of Herodias, ultimately orders the beheading of John, a just and holy man who had spoken truth to power. This passage reminds us that living according to God’s will can sometimes lead to suffering and persecution, but it also highlights the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives and choices. Are we living with the kind of integrity and courage that John the Baptist demonstrated, even when it is difficult? Are we practicing the fraternal charity and hospitality called for in the letter to the Hebrews? Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s presence and care, especially when we face uncertainty or hardship? May we strive to live with the same faithfulness as John the Baptist and may we remember that our ultimate helper is the Lord, who will never abandon us.