Daily Readings for January 14, 2017

1ST READING

Christians stand for the truth of the Gospel and morality. The world may think it can redefine the truth but it will always fail. Marriage, as understood by the Church, is and always will be between a man and a woman. Once the connection to the life-giving power of the sexual act is ignored, we are left with a union of two people that has lost the focus on the deepest aspect of who we are as a differentiated species.

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 A L 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

Jesus confronts traditional understandings especially when their essence is wrong. Jesus associates with sinners and even dines with them. We are all sinners and in need of redemption (Romans 3:20-23). Let us not judge and exclude certain sinners from the grace of salvation. Jesus refused to do this. We should follow His example.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, and 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 Jesus 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.”