Reading 1
Heb 10:19-25
Brothers and sisters:
Since through the Blood of Jesus
we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary
by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil,
that is, his flesh,
and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,”
let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust,
with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience
and our bodies washed in pure water.
Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope,
for he who made the promise is trustworthy.
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.
We should not stay away from our assembly,
as is the custom of some, but encourage one another,
and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Responsorial PsalmR. (see 6)
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;
the world and those who dwell in it.
For he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD?
or who may stand in his holy place?
He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean,
who desires not what is vain.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Gospel
Mk 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket
or under a bed,
and not to be placed on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible;
nothing is secret except to come to light.
Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”
He also told them, “Take care what you hear.
The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you,
and still more will be given to you.
To the one who has, more will be given;
from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Meditation: Hebrews 10:19-25
“We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
How simple the gospel message is! Through his cross and resurrection, Jesus has opened up a way for each of us to be set free from sin and enter into the presence of God. Jesus is risen, and the door is now wide open for all of us. But as simple and straightforward as this message is, we sometimes need help seeing the open door that’s right in front of us. And that’s where brothers and sisters in Christ come in.
Sometimes they remind us that the sacraments are powerful and readily available.
—“You seem pretty burdened. Have you thought about going to confession?”
—“I’m going to Mass at the end of my shift today. How about joining me?”
—“I wonder if your dad might be open to receiving the anointing of the sick? You know, he doesn’t have to be on his deathbed before you call a priest.”
Sometimes they point out opportunities we might have overlooked. They might tell us about a homeless center that needs extra help preparing meals. They might invite us to a parish Bible study we have been meaning to check out. Or they might urge us to write to our congressman about an important issue or attend a local school-board meeting.
Sometimes they help us see where the Holy Spirit is already at work in our lives.
—“What a great idea! That sounds inspired. How can I help you make it work?”
—“You always seem to have a bigger perspective than I do. I really appreciate the way you help expand my vision.”
—“You’re so good at getting to the heart of a complex situation. Don’t be afraid to say it the way you see it.”
Sometimes they exhort us to trust God and to believe when our faith is wavering. At other times, our faith helps them hang in through a challenging time. In all these ways and so many more, we can all “rouse one another” to a deeper surrender to the Lord!
“Lord, I want to be where your people are gathered in your name. Help me to give and receive the encouragement that will make all of us better stewards of the gifts you’ve given.”
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