Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 16, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.4Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,5Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.6His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.8The statutes 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 for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 2.13-17
13And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.15And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s Word and the compassion of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear that the Word of God is “living and effective,” capable of piercing to the very depths of our being, discerning our thoughts and intentions. This passage emphasizes the transcendence of God’s Word, which sees through all pretenses and understands the deepest recesses of our hearts. It also reminds us that Jesus, as our great High Priest, is not distant or unfeeling but one who understands our weaknesses and temptations, having experienced them himself, though without sin. This truth should fill us with confidence to approach God’s throne of grace, where we can find mercy and help in our time of need.
In the Gospel, Mark presents us with a vivid scene of Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, and then dining with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes are scandalized by this, but Jesus responds by declaring that he came not to call the righteous but sinners. This passage underscores Jesus’ mission to reach out to those on the margins, those who recognize their need for God’s mercy. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward others and ourselves. Are we like the Pharisees, judging others for their imperfections, or are we like Levi and the sinners, humbly acknowledging our need for God’s grace?
These readings are deeply connected. The Word of God, as described in Hebrews, is not just a distant truth but a living force that actively seeks to heal and transform us. Jesus, in the Gospel, embodies this Word, reaching out to those who are broken and in need. For us, this means that our faith is not about being perfect or self-righteous but about recognizing our own need for mercy and extending that same compassion to others. Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus understands our struggles. And let us imitate his example by reaching out to those around us who may feel excluded or unworthy, offering them the same grace and love we have received.