Daily Readings - Fri Feb 07 2025
Hebrews
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.
Mark
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
The readings today remind us of the enduring power of faith and integrity in the face of adversity. In the letter to the Hebrews, we are urged to embrace fraternal charity and hospitality, reflecting a life of contentment and trust in God's providence. This call to virtue is not merely theoretical but practical, as seen in the example of John the Baptist from the Gospel of Mark. John's unwavering commitment to truth led to his martyrdom, yet his courage in speaking against injustice continues to inspire us.
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on living according to higher principles. The Hebrews passage encourages us to maintain our moral compass, while Mark's narrative shows the ultimate sacrifice for standing by one's beliefs. John's story teaches us that true integrity may demand great personal cost, yet it is through such fidelity that we remain faithful to God's will.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own commitment to truth and virtue. May we, like John, have the courage to stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Let us embrace the call to live with integrity, trusting in God's presence and guidance, and may our actions reflect the love and justice that Christ embodies.