Daily Readings - Thu Jan 23 2025
Hebrews
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.
Mark
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on the ministry of Jesus Christ. The first, from the Letter to the Hebrews, presents Jesus as the eternal High Priest who intercedes for us in heaven. This passage contrasts Jesus with the priests of the old covenant, emphasizing His unique role as the perfect mediator who offered Himself once for all sins. The second reading, from the Gospel of Mark, depicts Jesus ministering to a multitude by the sea, healing the sick, and demonstrating His divine authority over unclean spirits. These readings invite us to reflect on the nature of Christ's priesthood and His mission of salvation.
The context of the Hebrews passage is rooted in the Jewish understanding of priesthood and sacrifice. The author explains that Jesus, as the perfect High Priest, transcends the limitations of the earthly priesthood. He does not need to offer sacrifices daily because His one sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for all time. In Mark's Gospel, the scene by the sea shows Jesus in the midst of His earthly ministry, surrounded by crowds seeking healing and deliverance. The unclean spirits recognize His divine identity, but Jesus silences them, perhaps to emphasize that His true identity would be revealed through His death and resurrection.
These readings are deeply connected. The Gospel shows Jesus fulfilling the role described in Hebrews as the one who heals and saves. While the crowds press in to touch Him, Jesus is already living out the priesthood that would culminate in His sacrifice on the cross. For us today, this means we can trust in Jesus' ongoing intercession and His power to heal and transform our lives. We are called to approach Him with faith, seeking His touch and His grace, just as the people in the Gospel did.
As we reflect on these readings, let us remember that Jesus is our eternal High Priest who continually intercedes for us. May we turn to Him in our needs, trusting in His power to heal and save. Let us also imitate His humility and focus on serving others, as He did by the sea. In a world that often seeks quick fixes and fleeting solutions, may we find our strength and hope in the eternal priesthood of Christ, who is always alive to save us.