Daily Readings - Tue Jan 12 2021
Hebrews
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.6But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?7You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor8and put everything under his feet.? In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.12He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
Mark
21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,24"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"25"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of Jesus' authority and humanity's place in God's plan. The passage from Hebrews reminds us that God has entrusted humanity with dominion over creation, just below the angels, and that Jesus, through his Passion, has been crowned with glory and honor. This text emphasizes Jesus' role in salvation, highlighting that he is not ashamed to call us his brothers, illustrating a deep bond between the divine and human.
In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus teaching with authority in the synagogue, where he confronts and casts out an unclean spirit. This episode showcases Jesus' divine authority, as even the spirits obey him. The people are amazed, recognizing the new doctrine and power that Jesus embodies. This event establishes Jesus' identity and mission, demonstrating that his authority is not just over spirits but over all aspects of human life.
These readings invite us to reflect on Jesus' authority in our lives. Just as the people in Capernaum recognized his power, we too can acknowledge his dominion over our struggles and sins. By trusting in Jesus' authority, we submit to his will, allowing him to guide and transform us. This submission leads to freedom and new life, as seen in the man delivered from the spirit. Let us embrace Jesus' authority, trusting in his power to lead us through life's challenges, and find peace in his divine care.