Daily Readings - Wed Feb 05 2025
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 encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that discipline is an act of God's love, shaping us to holiness. It encourages perseverance, even when the journey is difficult, trusting that God's plan is for our good. The Gospel from Mark illustrates Jesus facing rejection in His hometown, where familiarity bred contempt, hindering the miracles that could have occurred.
These readings together teach us about faith and trust in God's plan. Hebrews emphasizes enduring trials as a form of divine discipline, while Mark shows how unbelief can limit God's work in our lives. Both remind us to look beyond the ordinary and trust in God's extraordinary plan, even when faced with doubt or hardship.
In our daily lives, let us embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain open to God's presence. Let us not let familiarity or doubt blind us to His work. May we trust in His plan, knowing that perseverance and faith will lead us to a deeper relationship with Him.