Daily Readings - Fri Jan 13 2023
Hebrews
1Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.2For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"4And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: "And on the seventh day God rested from all his work."5And again in the passage above he says, "They shall never enter my rest."11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
Mark
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home.2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them.4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves,7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralytic,11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, rest, and the divine authority of Jesus Christ. In the first reading from Hebrews, we are reminded of God’s promise of rest, which is not merely a physical repose but a spiritual state of trust and surrender to God’s plan. The author warns us against unbelief, which can prevent us from entering into this rest. The passage emphasizes that true faith is not just hearing the word of God but living it out in obedience and trust. In the Gospel, Mark presents a vivid scene of Jesus healing a paralytic, which is both a physical and spiritual restoration. The faith of the paralytic and his friends moves Jesus to forgive sins and restore health, demonstrating His divine authority to heal both body and soul.
The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on faith as the foundation for receiving God’s grace. In Hebrews, faith is the key to entering into God’s rest, while in Mark, faith leads to the forgiveness of sins and physical healing. Both readings remind us that faith is not passive but active—it requires trust, perseverance, and surrender to God’s will. The scribes in the Gospel, who question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, represent those who allow doubt and legalism to hinder their faith. In contrast, the paralytic and his friends exemplify the kind of faith that overcomes obstacles and leads to transformation.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our own faith. Do we truly trust in God’s promises, or do we allow fear and doubt to hold us back? The paralytic’s friends teach us the importance of interceding for others and persisting in prayer, even when the path seems impossible. Let us strive to live out our faith with courage and humility, knowing that God’s rest and healing are available to us. May we, like the crowd in Capernaum, marvel at the wonders of God and give Him glory in all that we do.