Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 19, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 7.25 – 8.6
25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.4For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.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.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Gospel: Mark 3.7-12
7But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,8And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came unto him.9And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.10For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues.11And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.12And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound identity and mission of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of Jesus' role as our eternal High Priest. Unlike the priests of the Old Covenant, who were limited by their humanity and offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice—himself—once and for all. This passage emphasizes his divine priesthood, seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us continuously. The author of Hebrews highlights the superiority of Christ's priesthood, which is rooted in his sinlessness and his eternal existence. This reality should fill us with hope and confidence, knowing that we have a perfect mediator who understands our weaknesses and advocates for us before the Father.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus in action, surrounded by crowds who are drawn to his healing power. The unclean spirits recognize him as the Son of God, but Jesus silences them. This moment in Mark's Gospel reveals the divine authority of Jesus, but it also shows his humility and focus on his mission. While the demons acknowledge his true identity, Jesus does not seek to draw attention to himself. Instead, he continues to serve the people, healing their wounds and teaching them about the kingdom of God. This passage invites us to reflect on how we acknowledge Jesus in our own lives. Do we recognize his divine presence in our midst? Do we allow his power to transform us, or do we try to control or manipulate it for our own purposes?
These readings call us to trust in Jesus' priesthood and his divine plan. Like the crowds in Mark's Gospel, we are often drawn to Jesus for what he can do for us, but we are invited to go deeper. We are called to recognize his true identity as the Son of God and to surrender our lives to his will. In a world that often seeks quick fixes and superficial solutions, we are reminded that true healing and transformation come from Jesus alone. Let us approach him with humility and faith, allowing his power to touch our lives and transform our hearts. May we, like the healed in the Gospel, bear witness to his love and mercy in all that we do.