Daily Readings - Thu Jan 21 2021
Hebrews
25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.4For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Mark
7But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,8And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.9And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.10For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.11And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.12And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound insights into the nature of Jesus' ministry and His divine role. The passage from Hebrews highlights Jesus as the eternal High Priest who offered a single, perfect sacrifice for all sins, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priesthood. This emphasizes His unique role in redeeming humanity, once and for all. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus' healing miracles and the recognition by unclean spirits of His divine identity as the Son of God are showcased, illustrating His authority and compassion.
The context of Hebrews is a theological argument comparing Jesus' priesthood to the old covenant, stressing His superiority and the eternal efficacy of His sacrifice. Mark's narrative, set in the early days of Jesus' ministry, demonstrates His power over both physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing His divine authority. Both readings converge on the theme of Jesus' divine identity and mission, with Hebrews focusing on His priestly role and Mark on His ministry and recognition by spiritual beings.
Applying these readings to our lives, we are reminded to trust in Jesus' sacrifice and acknowledge His sovereignty. His priesthood calls us to live with faith and gratitude, recognizing His ongoing intercession for us. The moral lesson is clear: Jesus is our eternal High Priest and the Son of God, whose authority and sacrifice shape our understanding of salvation and our daily walk with Him. Let us reflect on how His priesthood influences our faith and actions, striving to live in the light of His divine love and authority.