Daily Readings - Fri Jan 27 2023
Hebrews
32But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.38Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
Mark
26And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.30And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:32But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.33And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.34But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, patience, and the mysterious ways of God. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear a call to perseverance in the face of trials and afflictions. The author reminds us that our confidence in God should not waver, even when the journey is difficult, because it is through enduring these trials that we receive the promise of eternal life. This passage speaks to the early Christian community, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution and hardship. It reminds us that true faith is not about immediate results but about trusting in God’s plan, even when the outcome is not yet visible.
In the Gospel, Mark presents two parables that shed light on the Kingdom of God. The first parable compares the Kingdom to a seed that grows mysteriously, even when the sower is unaware of its progress. The second parable likens it to a mustard seed, which, though small, grows into a mighty tree that shelters all. These parables teach us that the Kingdom of God is both hidden and transformative. It begins in small, imperceptible ways, but over time, it grows into something extraordinary. This mirrors the message of Hebrews: just as the seed requires patience and trust in the soil, our faith requires us to trust in God’s timing and providence.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith journey is not about quick fixes or immediate gratification. It is about trusting in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear or difficult. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace this kind of faith—faith that endures trials, faith that trusts in the unseen, and faith that believes in the transformative power of God’s Kingdom. Let us, therefore, cultivate patience and perseverance, knowing that the seeds of faith we plant today will bear fruit in God’s time.