Daily Readings - Wed Jan 20 2021
Hebrews
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.15And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,16one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.17For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Mark
1Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.3Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."4Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.5He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.6Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on priesthood and service. The first reading from Hebrews introduces us to Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who is both king and priest, without genealogy or end. This enigmatic character is likened to the Son of God, emphasizing Jesus' eternal priesthood. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict observance of the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand, highlighting the importance of compassion over legalism.
The context of Hebrews is a theological explanation of Jesus' priesthood, superior to the Levitical order, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging role. In Mark, the scene is set in the early ministry of Jesus, where His actions spark conflict with religious authorities, illustrating the tension between tradition and the living Word of God. Both readings converge on the theme of priesthood as a call to serve and bless, rather than to constrain or control.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on how we serve others. Like Melchizedek, we are called to be instruments of blessing, and like Jesus, to prioritize compassion over rigid rules. The moral lesson is clear: true service involves challenging injustices and bringing healing, embodying the eternal priesthood of Christ through selfless love and action. Let us embrace this call to serve with hearts full of compassion and courage.