Daily Readings for January 17, 2015

1ST READING

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony of Egypt, a man who gave himself over to a life of monasticism probably before the age of 20 and lived to be 105. He is one of the longest serving clerics in the Church, having served as a monk for 85 years. His writings on monastic life have guided the same for the last 1,600 years and thus, his immense influence on the life of the Church. Yet all Anthony sought was to live a simple life of obedience to God’s will. This is what we should all do.

Hebrews 4:12-16

12 The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. 14 Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. 16 So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

P S AL M

Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

7[8] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 8[9] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 9[10] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 14[15] Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (R)

GOSPEL

How else can the Gospel be proclaimed to sinners except by befriending them and spending time with them? Jesus was not afraid of being with sinners as though sin was some sort of contagious disease that needed to be avoided at all times. Sin is not to be trifled with but it has no power over those who do not give in to it. We all need to go where the Spirit leads us as we seek to share the Good News of salvation with as many people as we possibly can.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, and to proclaim liberty to captives.

Mark 2:13-17

13 Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. 15 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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