Daily Readings - Tue Jan 10 2023
Hebrews
5Now it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.6It has been testified somewhere, "What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?7You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor,8putting everything in subjection under his feet."Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,12saying, "I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."
Mark
21And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.22And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.23And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,24"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God."25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!"26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.27And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."28And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dignity and authority that God has entrusted to humanity, as well as the profound power of Jesus Christ to transform and save us. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear that God has placed all things under humanity’s care, crowning us with glory and honor. Yet, we also recognize that this dignity is not something we achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity and suffer for our salvation. The Gospel from Mark then shows us the practical expression of this authority, as Jesus teaches with divine power and casts out an unclean spirit, demonstrating his dominion over even the forces of evil.
The connection between the readings lies in the theme of authority and its proper use. In Hebrews, we see that true authority is not about domination but about stewardship and love, as God’s plan for humanity is one of care and responsibility over creation. In Mark, Jesus exercises his authority not to oppress but to free and to heal, showing that true power is rooted in self-giving love. Together, these readings remind us that our own authority, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, should be exercised in a way that reflects God’s love and care for the world.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the gifts and talents God has given us? Do we use them to build up others and bring healing to those around us, or do we use them for our own selfish desires? The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service, just as Jesus showed us. Let us strive to live with gratitude for the dignity God has given us, and let us trust in Jesus’ power to transform our lives and the world around us.