Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 28, 2021
First Reading: Hebrews 10.19-25
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,21and since we have a great priest over the house of God,22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;2for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.3Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.5He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah7Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.10Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory. Selah
Gospel: Mark 4.21-25
21He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?22For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."24"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you--and even more.25Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound truths about our faith and our responsibilities as followers of Christ. The first reading from Hebrews invites us to embrace the access we have to God through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to approach Him with sincerity and to support one another in our journey of faith. The Gospel from Mark challenges us to live openly and responsibly, using the gifts and talents we have been given, and to be mindful of the impact of our actions.
The context of Hebrews is a letter to early Christians, reassuring them of their direct access to God through Christ's sacrifice and emphasizing the importance of community and perseverance. Mark's passage, part of Jesus' teachings, uses the parable of the lamp to highlight the necessity of living openly and the consequences of our choices. Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of openness and responsibility.
These teachings call us to live our faith openly, not hiding our light, and to use our resources wisely. They remind us that our actions have consequences and that we are to support one another in our spiritual journeys. The moral lesson here is to embrace our faith with openness and responsibility, using our gifts to serve others and to build a supportive community. Let us strive to live in such a way that reflects the light of Christ, encouraging and uplifting those around us.