Daily Readings - Sat Jan 16 2021
Hebrews
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.
Mark
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.