First Reading | Hebrews 4:12-16
God’s Word is powerful and precise. We need to listen to it because it is food for eternal life. Are we willing to let God’s Word set our life’s agenda? Herein lies the way to eternal life—the path of truth and His will for us. Let us grow daily in our love for the Scriptures and follow wherever He leads us.
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.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
8 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. (R) 9 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (R) 10 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. (R) 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 | Mark 2:13-17
Jesus associates with the rich and poor, saints and sinners alike. He includes everyone in His ministry and offers the gift of salvation to all. Like Jesus, let us be fair and impartial in how we proclaim and live out the Gospel. We don’t decide whether or not someone is worthy of salvation; it is the Lord. We are all unworthy, but He overlooks this fact because of His unconditional love and unending mercy.
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, and to proclaim liberty to captives.
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.”
