Daily Readings - Wed Feb 01 2023
Hebrews
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.14Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Mark
1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.3"Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.4Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."5He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.6And he was amazed at their lack of faith.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of faith, humility, and the challenges of living a life rooted in God’s will. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that discipline and perseverance are essential for our spiritual growth. The author encourages us to view life’s struggles as opportunities for purification and holiness, trusting that God’s correction is a sign of His love. This passage calls us to embrace the journey of sanctification, even when it is difficult, for it is through such trials that we are shaped into the people God intends us to be.
The Gospel from Mark presents a striking contrast. Jesus, who had been performing miracles and teaching with authority, is rejected in His own hometown. The people’s familiarity with Him breeds contempt, and their unbelief limits His ability to work miracles among them. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we, like the people of Nazareth, allow our preconceptions or pride to hinder our faith? Jesus’ words, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country,” remind us that even those closest to us may fail to see the truth. This invites us to reflect on how we receive God’s message in our lives and whether we allow it to transform us.
These readings are deeply connected. Both call us to humility and trust in God’s plan. The Hebrews passage encourages us to endure trials with faith, knowing they are part of God’s loving plan. The Gospel reminds us that faith is not about what we already know or think we understand but about surrendering to God’s will. In our daily lives, let us strive to embrace both the challenges and the graces God offers. May we not be limited by our own unbelief or the opinions of others but instead allow God to work in us and through us. As we pursue holiness, let us remember that true wisdom and power come not from human understanding but from a humble and open heart.