Daily Readings - Fri Feb 05 2021
Hebrews
1Keep on loving each other as brothers.2Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.3Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.4Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."6So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"7Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Mark
14King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."15Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."16But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"17For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.18For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."19So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.21Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.23The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you." And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."24She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?The head of John the Baptist," she answered.25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.27So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,28and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.29On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live with integrity, compassion, and courage in the face of challenging circumstances. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded to practice fraternal charity and hospitality, to be content with what we have, and to trust in God’s presence and care. The author encourages us to imitate the faith of our spiritual leaders and to remain steadfast in our commitment to Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This passage emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in practical ways, especially through our relationships with others and our trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast to the ideals of the first reading. The story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom reveals the darker side of human nature—jealousy, pride, and the abuse of power. Herod, swayed by his own desires and the manipulations of Herodias, ultimately orders the beheading of John, a just and holy man who had spoken truth to power. This passage reminds us that living according to God’s will can sometimes lead to suffering and persecution, but it also highlights the importance of standing firm in our convictions, even in the face of adversity.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our own lives and choices. Are we living with the kind of integrity and courage that John the Baptist demonstrated, even when it is difficult? Are we practicing the fraternal charity and hospitality called for in the letter to the Hebrews? Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s presence and care, especially when we face uncertainty or hardship? May we strive to live with the same faithfulness as John the Baptist and may we remember that our ultimate helper is the Lord, who will never abandon us.