An excellent ministry

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today connect with Jesus humanity and His Divinity. The Letter to the Hebrews compares the heavenly priesthood of Jesus to the priesthood of the Hebrew Testament. In the Gospel from Mark, the healing mercy of Jesus draws people from all regions to seek to touch Him. John Shea, S.J. reminds that “Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7.25) Don Schwager quotes “Faith works by love,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D. The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:7-12 considers what Jesus was doing. As the Messiah, he came to bring healing, a new reign, and redemption, but he knew that the people would have a hard time understanding that the blessings would be released only after his death and resurrection. That’s why it was so important to keep his “messianic secret” until the right moment. Otherwise, people might get so caught up in the miracles that they would lose sight of his long-term goal of redemption through the cross. A post by Franciscan Media reflects that Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Friar Jude Winkler shares the pattern of the Letter to the Hebrews that emphasizes that the Hebrew high priest was a pattern for Jesus priesthood. In the Mass we move out of time to be present with Jesus at the Last Supper, on the Cross, and in Resurrection. Friar Jude explains the recognition of Jesus as the Son of God by pagans in the Gospel of Mark. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that sometimes it seems like Christianity’s only mission is to keep announcing its vision and philosophy. This is what happens when power and empire take over the message. The Memorial of St Francis de Sales is an opportunity to reflect on transformation to practice Life in the Spirit as in Jesus example lived by this saint in humility and generosity.