Daily Readings - Thu Feb 04 2021
Hebrews
18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:21And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Mark
7And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;8And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:9But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.10And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.11And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.12And they went out, and preached that men should repent.13And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the heavenly reality of Mount Zion. Sinai, with its fire and storm, represents the fear and awe of encountering God's power, while Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, is a place of peace and communion with God and the saints. This passage emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant, where Jesus, the Mediator, offers a sacrifice that speaks more powerfully than the blood of Abel.
The Gospel from Mark shows Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision, and to be bold in their mission. The apostles' success in their mission demonstrates the power of faith and trust in God. This reading encourages us to be courageous in sharing the Gospel and to rely on God's grace rather than material possessions.
These readings remind us that living a life of faith requires trust in God's plan and provision. Just as the apostles were sent out with minimal provisions but with great authority, we too can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God will provide. Let us strive to live with faith, trusting in God's grace, and be bold in spreading His word in our daily lives.