Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 15, 2025
First Reading: Hebrews 2.14-18
14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Psalm 105
1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.4Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.5Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;6O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.7He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.8He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.9Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;10And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:11Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:12When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.13When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;14He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;15Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.16Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.17He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:18Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:19Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.20The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.21He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:22To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.23Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.24And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.25He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.26He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.27They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.28He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.29He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.30Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.31He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.32He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.33He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.34He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,35And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.37He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.38Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.39He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.40The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.41He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.42For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.43And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:44And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;45That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Mark 1.29-39
29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33And all the city was gathered together at the door.34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound insights into Jesus' mission and ministry. The first reading from Hebrews highlights Jesus' solidarity with humanity, sharing our flesh and blood to conquer death and free us from the devil's grasp. This text emphasizes Jesus' role as a merciful High Priest, uniquely qualified to help us in our struggles because He has experienced temptation and suffering.
The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus' active ministry, beginning with the healing of Peter's mother-in-law and continuing with healing many and casting out demons. This passage showcases Jesus' compassion and His commitment to spreading God's message, even moving to neighboring towns to preach. It underscores the essence of His mission: to heal, teach, and bring God's love to all.
These readings together remind us of Jesus' dual role as both healer and teacher. His ministry inspires us to live with compassion and purpose. In our daily lives, we can embody this by reaching out to those in need, offering support, and sharing the Good News through our actions and words. Let us draw strength from Jesus' example, trusting in His power to overcome any challenge and to serve others with love and faith.