Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 22, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 8.6-13
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.7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:9Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.13In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Psalm 85
1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?7Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.12Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Gospel: Mark 3.13-19
13And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,15And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:16And Simon he surnamed Peter;17And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,19And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of transformation and divine calling. The first reading from Hebrews discusses the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing that the old was flawed and thus replaced by a covenant of forgiveness and direct knowledge of God. This new covenant is inscribed on hearts and minds, symbolizing a deeper, more personal relationship with God. The second reading from Mark illustrates Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds yet extraordinary mission to spread His message and perform miracles.
The context of these readings reveals a shift from the old to the new. Hebrews reflects on the theological significance of this transition, while Mark focuses on the practical aspect of Jesus establishing His ministry through the apostles. Both readings underscore the idea of new beginnings, whether in covenant or mission, emphasizing God's plan for renewal and service.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace new beginnings. Just as the old covenant gave way to the new, we can release outdated ways and welcome a Spirit-filled life. Like the apostles, we are ordinary individuals called to extraordinary service. The moral lesson here is one of trust and openness: trust in God's plan, let go of the past, and be ready to be used by God in our own unique ways. This reflection invites us to live with renewed faith, trusting in God's transformative power in our lives.