Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 21, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 9.2-3, 11-14
2A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.3Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Psalm 47
1Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.2How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!3He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet.4He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah5God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the LORD amid the sounding of trumpets.6Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.7For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.8God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.9The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.
Gospel: Mark 3.20-21
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s sacrifice and the challenges of following Him in our own lives. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear about the tabernacle and the Holy of Holies, a sacred space where only the high priest could enter once a year to offer sacrifices for the people. The author contrasts this with Christ, who enters not into a man-made tabernacle but into heaven itself, offering His own blood as the perfect sacrifice for our redemption. This passage emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and the eternal redemption He has won for us.
In the Gospel, Mark describes a scene where Jesus’ family tries to intervene because the crowd around Him has become so large that He cannot even eat. They think He has gone mad, but Jesus remains focused on His mission. This passage highlights the tension between human expectations and God’s plan. Jesus’ family, though well-intentioned, does not yet fully understand His divine mission, and their concern reflects the confusion and skepticism that often accompany God’s work in the world.
Together, these readings remind us that following Christ requires faith and trust, even when circumstances seem chaotic or misunderstood. Just as Christ entered the Holy of Holies to offer the ultimate sacrifice, we are called to surrender our lives to God’s plan, trusting that His ways are greater than our own. In our daily lives, this means persevering through challenges, remaining committed to our faith, and trusting that God is at work, even when things seem unclear. Let us strive to imitate Christ’s dedication and trust in the Father, knowing that His sacrifice has given us eternal life and the strength to follow Him.