Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 18, 2025
First Reading: Hebrews 4.12-16
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double--edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Gospel: Mark 2.13-17
13Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.14As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.15While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.16When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"17On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about God's nature and Jesus' mission. The passage from Hebrews reminds us of the power and piercing nature of God's Word, which sees into the depths of our souls. It also presents Jesus as our compassionate High Priest, who understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God's throne with confidence.
The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus' ministry to the marginalized, as He calls Levi, a tax collector, and dines with sinners. This act of inclusion sparks criticism from the Pharisees, to which Jesus responds by emphasizing His mission to call not the righteous, but sinners. This highlights His message of mercy and the importance of reaching out to those on the fringes.
These readings together remind us of the dual nature of our faith: the powerful Word of God and the compassionate heart of Jesus. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace both—confidently approaching God, knowing He understands our struggles, and emulating Jesus' openness to others. Let us reflect on our own humility and willingness to engage with those around us, just as Jesus did, fostering a community of compassion and inclusion.