Daily Readings - Mon Jan 27 2025
Hebrews
15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Mark
22And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.23And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?24And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.26And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.27No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.28Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:29But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:30Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound work of Christ and the gravity of our response to God’s grace. The first reading from Hebrews emphasizes Christ’s role as the Mediator of the New Testament, whose single sacrifice suffices for all sin. This contrasts with the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant, highlighting the eternal efficacy of Christ’s offering. The Gospel from Mark presents a stark warning: attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil is a sin with eternal consequences. Jesus’ response to the scribes underscores the seriousness of rejecting God’s Spirit.
The context of Hebrews is a letter to early Christians, possibly Jewish converts, explaining the superiority of Christ’s priesthood. Mark’s passage occurs early in Jesus’ ministry, amidst growing opposition, particularly from religious leaders. Both readings converge on the Holy Spirit’s role: in Hebrews, the Spirit’s work is seen in the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice, while in Mark, the Spirit’s work is being wrongly attributed to evil, leading to severe condemnation.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to discern the Spirit’s presence and respond with faith. We must avoid the cynicism that leads to rejecting God’s work, instead embracing the grace offered through Christ. The moral lesson is clear: faith in God’s Spirit is vital, and deliberate rejection of this grace bears grave consequences. Let us remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, cherishing the redemption won for us by Christ.