Daily Readings - Thu Feb 06 2025

Hebrews

18For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest19and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.21Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear."22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering,23and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Mark

7And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.8He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in their belts--9but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.10And he said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.11And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."12So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.13And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.

Sermon

In today's readings, we journey through two profound biblical passages that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and our spiritual journey. The first reading from Hebrews contrasts the awe-inspiring, even terrifying, experience of Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the serene and grace-filled reality of the heavenly Jerusalem. This passage highlights the transition from the fear of the Old Covenant to the hope and joy of the New Covenant, reminding us that our true home is in heaven, where we are part of a vast community of believers, united in Christ. The Gospel reading from Mark shows Jesus sending out the twelve apostles with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Jesus instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in God's providence rather than relying on material comforts. This passage underscores the importance of simplicity, detachment, and trust in God's plan. The apostles' mission is not just about what they do, but about how they embody their faith, trusting that God will provide what they need. These readings invite us to reflect on our own faith journey. Like the apostles, we are called to trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. We are reminded that our ultimate home is not in this world but in the heavenly Jerusalem, where we will be united with all the saints. Let us embrace our mission with courage and simplicity, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. May we, like the apostles, go forth with faith, spreading the Good News and living as witnesses to God's love in our daily lives.