Links of Melchizedek

The power of association and how we may choose poor companions on our journey comes to mind from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today. Friar Jude Winkler explores the textual identity of the ancient priest Melchizedek. The letter to the Hebrews indentifies the meaning of his name as king of righteousness and from the seat of his kingdom as king of Salem. This title when spoken in Hebrew becomes Jerusalem. The language analysis by Friar Jude and his reference to Jewish exaggeration allowing the listener to picture Jesus as a type of this priest who came from nowhere, linked to Creator through Genesis, the Covenant through Abram, sacrifice of bread and wine and life which continues forever. Sacred text does not record the death of Melchizedek. FatherKyle Schnippel finds more Biblical and liturgical background for our consideration.  We sometimes attribute so much significance to a person because of links we construct ourselves. This can be a pattern of assumption and prejudice which may complicate our lives. The psalmist provides the link to King Melchizedek in praise of the eternal help of God in the battle of David against his enemies. The invocation of Divine support in war is somewhat paradoxical as the longevity of the priesthood of Melchizedek is compared to his essence as King of Peace. The Gospel of Mark presents the 5^th episode of opposition to Jesus by the Pharisees. Often we must choose between actions which have varying degrees of goodness or righteousness attached to them. In making our choices, we will consider the circumstances of the moment. Jesus presents the argument that The Man with a Withered Hand as a son of Israel should wait no longer for his healing. The Pharisees, on the surface, offer the importance of patience when the healing is not necessary to save life, particularly on the day set aside to be devoted to attending to God. Life in a society of instant gratification allows us to see the goodness in learning patience. The issue under the surface is the intensity with which the threat of Jesus teaching about our relationship with God threatens the status quo for the Pharisees. This battle against One who they see as a spiritual enemy of David will ironically now be fought allied with the political and social enemy of David, Herod. Our “linkedness” is no less complex than that of the ancient priest from Genesis.