Daily Readings - Tue Jan 10 2023
Hebrews
5It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.6But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?7You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor8and put everything under his feet.? In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.9But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.12He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."
Mark
21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,24"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"25"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dignity and authority that God has entrusted to humanity, as well as the profound power of Jesus Christ to transform and save us. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear that God has placed all things under humanity’s care, crowning us with glory and honor. Yet, we also recognize that this dignity is not something we achieve on our own, but rather it is a gift from God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity and suffer for our salvation. The Gospel from Mark then shows us the practical expression of this authority, as Jesus teaches with divine power and casts out an unclean spirit, demonstrating his dominion over even the forces of evil.
The connection between the readings lies in the theme of authority and its proper use. In Hebrews, we see that true authority is not about domination but about stewardship and love, as God’s plan for humanity is one of care and responsibility over creation. In Mark, Jesus exercises his authority not to oppress but to free and to heal, showing that true power is rooted in self-giving love. Together, these readings remind us that our own authority, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, should be exercised in a way that reflects God’s love and care for the world.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How do we use the gifts and talents God has given us? Do we use them to build up others and bring healing to those around us, or do we use them for our own selfish desires? The moral lesson here is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service, just as Jesus showed us. Let us strive to live with gratitude for the dignity God has given us, and let us trust in Jesus’ power to transform our lives and the world around us.