Daily Readings - Fri Jan 22 2021
Hebrews
6But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.7For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.8But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.9It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.10This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.11No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.12For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."13By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
Mark
13Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.14He appointed twelve--designating them apostles--that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach15and to have authority to drive out demons.16These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);17James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder);18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot19and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter themes of transformation and divine calling. The first reading from Hebrews discusses the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing that the old was flawed and thus replaced by a covenant of forgiveness and direct knowledge of God. This new covenant is inscribed on hearts and minds, symbolizing a deeper, more personal relationship with God. The second reading from Mark illustrates Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds yet extraordinary mission to spread His message and perform miracles.
The context of these readings reveals a shift from the old to the new. Hebrews reflects on the theological significance of this transition, while Mark focuses on the practical aspect of Jesus establishing His ministry through the apostles. Both readings underscore the idea of new beginnings, whether in covenant or mission, emphasizing God's plan for renewal and service.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace new beginnings. Just as the old covenant gave way to the new, we can release outdated ways and welcome a Spirit-filled life. Like the apostles, we are ordinary individuals called to extraordinary service. The moral lesson here is one of trust and openness: trust in God's plan, let go of the past, and be ready to be used by God in our own unique ways. This reflection invites us to live with renewed faith, trusting in God's transformative power in our lives.