Assemble to witness

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary bring some morality and wisdom passages which direct our reflection to the authenticity of our witness. The words of the passage from the Letter to the Hebrews make us aware of the awesome depth of the Promise from God that we are invited to live within the very flesh of Jesus beyond the veil of the Holy of Holies in the Body of Christ. Friar Jude Winkler comments on how so many today have the false sense that participation in the weekly assembly of believers is not essential. The rejection of the invitation to be within the Presence would not be understandable by the psalmist who yearns to be worthy to ascend the mountain of the Lord. Jesus, truly present in the assembly of Christians, is the essential truth to which we must witness. Mark shares the wisdom of not hiding the lamp but putting it on the stand where it can be seen by others. Friar Jude notes that our society is missing the Christian point when we assess our participation, patience, peace and perseverance in terms of what is in it for me. The Christian pauses to consider that there may be nothing it in for us. We may be called to serve others as Christ and to be up to the task we require awareness of His Presence with us. Our ability to accept generosity from God and others is greatly increased as we give generously to God through others.