The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to the call of the Spirit to engage in the mission and love demonstrated by Jesus, the High Priest.
The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews declares Jesus as Mediator of a better Covenant.
* [7:26–28] Jesus is precisely the high priest whom the human race requires, holy and sinless, installed far above humanity (Heb 7:26); one having no need to offer sacrifice daily for sins but making a single offering of himself (Heb 7:27) once for all. The law could only appoint high priests with human limitations, but the fulfillment of God’s oath regarding the priesthood of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4) makes the Son of God the perfect priest forever (Heb 7:28). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 7, n.d.)
* [8:1–6] The Christian community has in Jesus the kind of high priest described in Heb 7:26–28. In virtue of his ascension Jesus has taken his place at God’s right hand in accordance with Ps 110:1 (Heb 8:1), where he presides over the heavenly sanctuary established by God himself (Heb 8:2). Like every high priest, he has his offering to make (Heb 8:3; cf. Heb 9:12, 14), but it differs from that of the levitical priesthood in which he had no share (Heb 8:4) and which was in any case but a shadowy reflection of the true offering in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 8:5). But Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary is that of mediator of a superior covenant that accomplishes what it signifies (Heb 8:6). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)
Psalm 40 offers Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Help.
* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17). (Psalms, PSALM 40, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches a Multitude at the Lakeside.
* [3:7–19] This overview of the Galilean ministry manifests the power of Jesus to draw people to himself through his teaching and deeds of power. The crowds of Jews from many regions surround Jesus (Mk 3:7–12). This phenomenon prepares the way for creating a new people of Israel. The choice and mission of the Twelve is the prelude (Mk 3:13–19). (Mark, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)
Carol Zuegner comments that maybe we all feel a little overwhelmed sometimes by the work, the expectations and the people in our lives. When all three combine, we look for ways to ease the stress, perhaps a break to take a walk outside.
What I take away from the readings is to renew my own efforts to carry out my work to the best of my ability, and to remember to care for those around me and for myself in doing that. St. Ignatius said: “Love ought to show itself in deeds more than words.” Jesus did that for us. How can I show love in deeds today? How can I in small ways and big ways find God in all things? Love shown in deeds can quietly ripple out in my life and into the world. Think of how someone showed love to you in a small act of kindness or help and how that love blossomed inside of you. If I build on smaller acts of love, the everyday deeds of doing a good job, being considerate of others, lending a helping hand when it’s convenient and when it’s not convenient, giving someone grace or another chance. This I can do today and every day. My prayer today is that I practice showing love in deeds, large and small, in my work, and with my family and friends. (Zuegner, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “Faith works by love,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"The 'faith that works by love' (Galatians 5:6), is not the same faith that demons have. 'For the devils also believe and tremble' (James 2:19) but do they love? If they had not believed, they would not have said: 'You are the holy one of God' or 'You are the Son of God' (Mark 3:11-12; Luke 4:34,41). But if they had loved, they would not have said: 'What have we to do with you?' (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28)" (excerpt from Letter 194, To Sixtus) (Schwager, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler explains the technique used in Hebrews of a smaller truth pointing to a greater truth. The sacrifice of Moses and the tent of meeting point to the greater sacrifice of Jesus celebrated in the heavenly court. Friar Jude notes the infrequent use of “Son of God” in Mark and how it declares the only begotten Son to the spirits and a pagan.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who writes about the ways both prophetic and personal truth-telling challenge us and the systems to which we belong.
In my faith tradition we call that speaking the truth—in love. As a clergyperson, I have many truth-telling strategies. Sometimes I’m gentle, needing to take good care of the one who is listening. Sometimes I’ve got my fists in the air while marching for the truth, for justice and liberation. Always my intention is to free up the energy that’s caught in the story, to liberate myself and the other with whom I’m in relationship to find a way forward. Can we win this action? Will the politician change policy or give in to demands? Will the congregant or colleague hear my point of view, and can I hear theirs? Can I change the story in the public square in a compelling way and open eyes, hearts, and minds to new worldviews? Will [my husband] John and I become stronger because of this difficult talk? Telling the truth is an act of love, an act of resistance, an act of courage. Its end is liberation, freedom, and, if possible, reconciliation. But there can be no reconciliation without truth.… (Rohr, n.d.)
We are gifted by the Spirit when we address the needs and truths in our life and in the stories of the people we meet.
References
Hebrews, CHAPTER 7. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/7?25
Hebrews, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/8
Mark, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?7
Psalms, PSALM 40. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?7
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-speaks-the-truth-2023-01-19/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). All Pressed upon Jesus to Touch Him. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan19
Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/011923.html
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