Daily Readings - Fri Feb 05 2021
Hebrews
1Let brotherly love continue.2Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Mark
14And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.15Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.16But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.19Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:20For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.21And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.26And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.27And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live with integrity, compassion, and courage in the face of challenging circumstances. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded to practice fraternal charity and hospitality, to be content with what we have, and to trust in God’s presence and care. The author encourages us to imitate the faith of our spiritual leaders and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This passage emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in practical ways, especially through our relationships with others and our trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast to the ideals of the first reading. The story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom reveals the darker side of human nature—jealousy, pride, and the abuse of power. Herod, swayed by his own desires and the manipulations of Herodias, ultimately orders the beheading of John, a just and holy man who had spoken truth to power. This passage reminds us that living according to God’s will can sometimes lead to suffering and persecution, but it also highlights the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives and choices. Are we living with the kind of integrity and courage that John the Baptist demonstrated, even when it is difficult? Are we practicing the fraternal charity and hospitality called for in the letter to the Hebrews? Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s presence and care, especially when we face uncertainty or hardship? May we strive to live with the same faithfulness as John the Baptist and may we remember that our ultimate helper is the Lord, who will never abandon us.