Daily Readings - Sat Jan 21 2023
Hebrews
2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and the challenges of following Him in our own lives. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear about the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies, a sacred space where only the high priest could enter once a year to offer sacrifices for the people. The author contrasts this with Christ, who enters not into a man-made tabernacle but into heaven itself, offering His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our redemption. This passage emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the eternal redemption He has won for us.
In the Gospel, Mark describes a scene where Jesus’ family tries to intervene because the crowd around Him has become so large that He cannot even eat. They think He has gone mad, but Jesus remains focused on His mission. This passage highlights the tension between human expectations and God’s plan. Jesus’ family, though well-intentioned, does not yet fully understand His divine mission, and their concern reflects the confusion and skepticism that often accompany God’s work in the world.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ requires faith and trust, even when circumstances seem chaotic or misunderstood. Just as Christ entered the Holy of Holies to offer the ultimate sacrifice, we are called to surrender our lives to God’s plan, trusting that His ways are greater than our own. In our daily lives, this means persevering through challenges, remaining committed to our faith, and trusting that God is at work, even when things seem unclear. Let us strive to imitate Christ’s dedication and trust in the Father, knowing that His sacrifice has given us eternal life and the strength to follow Him.