Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 21, 2025
First Reading: Hebrews 6.10-20
10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,14saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 111
1Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.2Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.3Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.4He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.5He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.6He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.8They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.9He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever- holy and awesome is his name.10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Gospel: Mark 2.23-28
23One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain.24The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"25He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?26In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."27Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.28So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about faith, trust, and the spirit of the law. The first reading from Hebrews emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness and the importance of perseverance. It reminds us that our efforts in serving others and living in faith are not in vain, as God promises to reward those who trust Him. The passage also highlights Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes for us, providing an unshakable hope.
The Gospel from Mark presents a scenario where Jesus challenges the traditional understanding of the Sabbath. When the Pharisees question the disciples' actions, Jesus uses the example of David to illustrate that human needs sometimes require flexibility. He asserts that the Sabbath was created for humanity's benefit, not the other way around. This teaches us to focus on the spirit of the law rather than its rigid application.
Both readings encourage us to trust in God's plan and remain faithful, even when faced with challenges. They remind us to be adaptable and compassionate, understanding that religious practices should enhance our relationship with God rather than become a burden. The moral lesson here is one of trust and adaptability, urging us to follow God's will with perseverance and an open heart.