Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 3, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 13.1-8
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.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.8My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Gospel: Mark 6.14-29
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
In today’s readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that guide us on the path of living a virtuous and morally courageous life. The first reading from Hebrews 13:1-8 encourages us to embrace fraternal charity, hospitality, and contentment. It reminds us to support those in need, honor marriage, and avoid sin, trusting in God’s unwavering presence. The second reading from Mark 6:14-29 recounts the tragic story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom, highlighting the consequences of standing up for truth in the face of moral corruption.
Both readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of moral integrity. Hebrews addresses early Christians, urging them to live righteously amidst challenges, while Mark’s narrative illustrates the ultimate sacrifice for truth. John the Baptist’s unwavering stance against Herod’s sin led to his death, embodying the moral courage that Hebrews advocates. This connection underscores the importance of standing firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to live with love and integrity, trusting in God’s providence. They remind us to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and to avoid the pitfalls of sin. Let us reflect on the moral courage of John the Baptist and the timeless wisdom of Hebrews, striving to live virtuous lives and trusting in God’s presence and support.