Daily Readings - Tue Jan 24 2023
Hebrews
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.
Mark
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.