Daily Readings - Sat Jan 23 2021
Hebrews
2A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.3Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, redemption, and the challenges of following Christ in a world that often misunderstands His mission. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of the ancient Jewish tabernacle and the rituals of atonement. The tabernacle, with its Holy of Holies, was a sacred space where the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. However, these sacrifices were limited, as they involved the blood of goats and calves, which could only purify the flesh, not the conscience. The author of Hebrews contrasts this with the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the true Holy of Holies not made by human hands, offering His own blood to obtain eternal redemption for all. This passage emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is far greater than any earthly ritual, as it cleanses our consciences and enables us to serve the living God.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus facing opposition and misunderstanding, even from His own family. Mark tells us that Jesus’ relatives thought He had gone mad because of the crowds that gathered around Him, and they tried to restrain Him. This passage highlights the tension between the worldly perspective and the divine mission of Jesus. His family, like many others, could not fully grasp the depth of His calling or the radical nature of His message. This misunderstanding serves as a reminder that following Christ often requires us to step beyond the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable by the world.
These readings are connected by the theme of sacrifice and the challenges of living a life rooted in faith. The sacrifice of Christ, as described in Hebrews, is the ultimate act of love that frees us from sin and death. In Mark, we see that living in the light of this sacrifice can lead to misunderstandings and even rejection, as Jesus’ family and the crowd struggle to comprehend His mission. Yet, despite these challenges, Christ’s sacrifice gives us the freedom to live as children of God, unbound by the limitations of the world.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to embrace the radical freedom that Christ offers? Do we allow His sacrifice to transform our lives, even when it means facing misunderstanding or opposition? Let us remember that true redemption comes not from outward rituals or human efforts, but from the blood of Christ, which cleanses our consciences and enables us to live for God. May we, like Christ, be willing to step into the unknown, trusting in the power of His sacrifice to guide us.