Daily Readings - Thu Feb 04 2021
Hebrews
18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;19to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Mark
7Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.8These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.9Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.10Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town.11And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them."12They went out and preached that people should repent.13They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Hebrews contrasts the terrifying experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the heavenly reality of Mount Zion. Sinai, with its fire and storm, represents the fear and awe of encountering God's power, while Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, is a place of peace and communion with God and the saints. This passage emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant, where Jesus, the Mediator, offers a sacrifice that speaks more powerfully than the blood of Abel.
The Gospel from Mark shows Jesus sending out the twelve apostles to preach, heal, and cast out demons. He instructs them to travel lightly, trusting in God's provision, and to be bold in their mission. The apostles' success in their mission demonstrates the power of faith and trust in God. This reading encourages us to be courageous in sharing the Gospel and to rely on God's grace rather than material possessions.
These readings remind us that living a life of faith requires trust in God's plan and provision. Just as the apostles were sent out with minimal provisions but with great authority, we too can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God will provide. Let us strive to live with faith, trusting in God's grace, and be bold in spreading His word in our daily lives.