Daily Readings - Thu Jan 30 2025
Hebrews
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21And having an high priest over the house of God;22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Mark
21And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?22For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.23If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.25For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of openness, integrity, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Hebrews encourages us to approach God with a true heart, having been cleansed by Christ's sacrifice. It emphasizes the importance of community, urging us to support one another in faith and good works. The Gospel from Mark uses the parable of the lamp to highlight that our actions should be open and visible, as nothing hidden remains secret. Jesus warns us that the measure we use will be the measure we receive, underscoring the importance of generosity and mindfulness in our interactions.
Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common message about living openly and with integrity. Hebrews, written to early Christians facing persecution, reminds us of our access to God through Christ and the need for steadfast hope. Mark's passage, part of Jesus' teachings, emphasizes the visibility of our actions and the consequences that follow. Together, they remind us that our faith should be evident in our lives and that our choices have repercussions.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live transparently, sharing God's light without hiding. We should nurture our faith within a supportive community, encouraging each other in love and good deeds. The moral lesson here is the importance of integrity and generosity. Our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live in a way that reflects God's light, mindful of how we measure others and the world around us. Let us embrace this call to openness and integrity, living each day with the awareness that our choices shape not only our lives but also the lives of others.