Daily Readings - Fri Jan 13 2023
Hebrews
1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.4For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Mark
1And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.2And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.3And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.4And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.5When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.6But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,7Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?8And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?9Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?10But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)11I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.12And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, rest, and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of God’s promise of rest, which is not merely a physical repose but a spiritual state of trust and surrender to God’s plan. The author warns us against unbelief, which can prevent us from entering into this rest. The passage emphasizes that true faith is not just hearing the word of God but living it out in obedience and trust. In the Gospel, Mark presents a vivid scene of Jesus healing a paralytic, which is both a physical and spiritual restoration. The faith of the paralytic and his friends moves Jesus to forgive sins and restore health, demonstrating His divine authority to heal both body and soul.
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on faith as the foundation for receiving God’s grace. In Hebrews, faith is the key to entering into God’s rest, while in Mark, faith leads to the forgiveness of sins and physical healing. Both readings remind us that faith is not passive but active—it requires trust, perseverance, and surrender to God’s will. The scribes in the Gospel, who question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, represent those who allow doubt and legalism to hinder their faith. In contrast, the paralytic and his friends exemplify the kind of faith that overcomes obstacles and leads to transformation.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our own faith. Do we truly trust in God’s promises, or do we allow fear and doubt to hold us back? The paralytic’s friends teach us the importance of interceding for others and persisting in prayer, even when the path seems impossible. Let us strive to live out our faith with courage and humility, knowing that God’s rest and healing are available to us. May we, like the crowd in Capernaum, marvel at the wonders of God and give Him glory in all that we do.