Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 1, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 12.4-7, 11-15
4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.12Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.14Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.15See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Gospel: Mark 6.1-6
1He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.2And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.4And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household."5And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.6And he marveled because of their unbelief.And he went about among the villages teaching.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faith, humility, and the challenges of living a life rooted in God’s will. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that discipline and perseverance are essential for our spiritual growth. The author encourages us to view life’s struggles as opportunities for purification and holiness, trusting that God’s correction is a sign of His love. This passage calls us to embrace the journey of sanctification, even when it is difficult, for it is through such trials that we are shaped into the people God intends us to be.
The Gospel from Mark presents a striking contrast. Jesus, who had been performing miracles and teaching with authority, is rejected in His own hometown. The people’s familiarity with Him breeds contempt, and their unbelief limits His ability to work miracles among them. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we, like the people of Nazareth, allow our preconceptions or pride to hinder our faith? Jesus’ words, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country,” remind us that even those closest to us may fail to see the truth. This invites us to reflect on how we receive God’s message in our lives and whether we allow it to transform us.
These readings are deeply connected. Both call us to humility and trust in God’s plan. The Hebrews passage encourages us to endure trials with faith, knowing they are part of God’s loving plan. The Gospel reminds us that faith is not about what we already know or think we understand but about surrendering to God’s will. In our daily lives, let us strive to embrace both the challenges and the graces God offers. May we not be limited by our own unbelief or the opinions of others but instead allow God to work in us and through us. As we pursue holiness, let us remember that true wisdom and power come not from human understanding but from a humble and open heart.