Daily Readings - Fri Jan 29 2021
Hebrews
32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Mark
26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.30And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, patience, and the mysterious ways of God’s kingdom. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear words of encouragement to the early Christian community, urging them to persevere through trials and hardships. The author reminds them of their past endurance and the joy they found in suffering for their faith. They are exhorted not to lose confidence, for their faith will be rewarded if they remain patient and trust in God’s promises. This passage emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in the face of adversity, knowing that God’s timing and plan are not always immediate or obvious.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to describe the kingdom of God. The first parable compares the kingdom to a seed that grows gradually, even without the farmer’s constant intervention. The second parable likens it to a mustard seed, which, though small, grows into a large plant that provides shelter for many. These parables teach us that God’s work often begins quietly and grows in ways we may not fully understand. Like the seed, our faith may start small, but with time and care, it can flourish and bear abundant fruit. Jesus’ use of parables also reminds us that spiritual truths are not always straightforward but require reflection and openness to God’s mystery.
Both readings call us to trust in God’s plan and to cultivate patience and faith in our daily lives. Just as the seed needs time to germinate and grow, our spiritual lives require us to wait on God and nurture our relationship with Him. In moments of uncertainty or difficulty, we are reminded that our confidence should not waver, for God is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Let us strive to live as “sons and daughters of faith,” trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His time. May we also allow our faith to grow and bear fruit, becoming a source of hope and shelter for others, just as the mustard seed becomes a home for the birds of the air.