Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 3, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 13.1-8
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.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Gospel: Mark 6.14-29
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
In today’s readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that guide us on the path of living a virtuous and morally courageous life. The first reading from Hebrews 13:1-8 encourages us to embrace fraternal charity, hospitality, and contentment. It reminds us to support those in need, honor marriage, and avoid sin, trusting in God’s unwavering presence. The second reading from Mark 6:14-29 recounts the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom, highlighting the consequences of standing up for truth in the face of moral corruption.
Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of moral integrity. Hebrews addresses early Christians, urging them to live righteously amidst challenges, while Mark’s narrative illustrates the ultimate sacrifice for truth. John the Baptist’s unwavering stance against Herod’s sin led to his death, embodying the moral courage that Hebrews advocates. This connection underscores the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to live with love and integrity, trusting in God’s providence. They remind us to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and to avoid the pitfalls of sin. Let us reflect on the moral courage of John the Baptist and the timeless wisdom of Hebrews, striving to live virtuous lives and trusting in God’s presence and support.