Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 24, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 10.1-10
1For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.2Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sin?3But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin every year.4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.5Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;6in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.7Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'"8When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law),9then he added, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second.10And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
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 3.31-35
31And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him.32And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you."33And he answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"34And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!35Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice and family, guiding us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and one another. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded that the old covenant's sacrifices, though symbolic, could never fully remove sin. They were mere shadows of the perfect sacrifice that Christ would offer. Christ's sacrifice, once for all, fulfilled God's will and sanctified us, showing that true worship is not about rituals but about obedience to God's will.
In the Gospel, Mark presents Jesus redefining family. When his biological relatives come to him, Jesus expands the concept of family to include all who do God's will. This teaches us that our spiritual bonds can be as strong as, or even stronger than, our biological ties. It emphasizes that following God's will is what truly unites us as His family.
These readings connect in their focus on God's will. Hebrews highlights Christ's perfect obedience, while Mark shows Jesus living out that obedience and redefining family. In our daily lives, this means prioritizing spiritual relationships and living according to God's will. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual bonds and commitment to God's will are paramount. Let us strive to live in such a way that we become part of God's family, united through faith and obedience.