Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 14, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.3There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.4Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;9the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 2.13-17
13He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.15And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.16And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"17And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful truths about God’s Word and Jesus’ mission of mercy. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It emphasizes that nothing is hidden from God’s sight and encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and is always ready to show mercy. The Gospel from Mark then presents Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, and dining with sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question his actions. Jesus responds by declaring that he came not for the righteous but for sinners, likening himself to a doctor who heals the sick.
These readings are deeply connected. In Hebrews, we see the power and penetrating nature of God’s Word, which judges the heart but also offers grace. In Mark, we see this Word made flesh in Jesus, who embodies God’s mercy by reaching out to those on the margins. Both readings highlight Jesus’ compassion and understanding of human frailty. The Pharisees’ criticism reveals a misunderstanding of God’s heart, which is not about condemnation but about healing and restoration. Jesus’ actions show that true righteousness is not about separating oneself from sinners but about bringing them closer to God’s love.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we approach God and others. Do we come to God with confidence, knowing he sees our struggles and desires to heal us? Do we, like Jesus, reach out to those who feel unworthy or excluded? The moral lesson here is clear: God’s mercy is not reserved for the perfect but for the imperfect. We are all sinners in need of grace, and we are called to be instruments of that grace in the world. Let us, therefore, approach life with humility, compassion, and a willingness to embrace others as Jesus did, remembering that the greatest sinners are often the ones who need God’s love the most.