The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that the New Covenant initiated by Christ invites all people to live with the compassion that we experience in relationship with the Divine.
The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews is speaking of a New Covenant.
* [8:7–13] Since the first covenant was deficient in accomplishing what it signified, it had to be replaced (Heb 8:7), as Jeremiah (Jer 31:31–34) had prophesied (Heb 8:8–12). Even in the time of Jeremiah, the first covenant was antiquated (Heb 8:13). In Heb 7:22–24, the superiority of the new covenant was seen in the permanence of its priesthood; here the superiority is based on better promises, made explicit in the citation of Jer 31:31–34 (LXX: 38), namely, in the immediacy of the people’s knowledge of God (Heb 8:11) and in the forgiveness of sin (Heb 8:12). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 8, n.d.)
Psalm 85 is a prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour.
* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus appoints the Twelve.
* [3:13] He went up the mountain: here and elsewhere the mountain is associated with solemn moments and acts in the mission and self-revelation of Jesus (Mk 6:46; 9:2–8; 13:3). Jesus acts with authority as he summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.
* [3:14–15] He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him: literally “he made,” i.e., instituted them as apostles to extend his messianic mission through them (Mk 6:7–13). See notes on Mt 10:1 and 10:2–4. (Mark, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)
Cindy Costanzo asks that although we do not have the Apostles of yesterday are we not all called to be disciples? To share and be teachers of the word. To pray and spend devoted time with our Lord Jesus. Praying the examen, quiet reflection. Focused meditation is as important to a daily routine as is work, family and recreation time. These devotional times provide an opportunity to remember how Jesus loves us and invites us to remember and bask in the warmth of this love.
“Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13: 34-35). Jesus loves us in a way we do not understand and commands us to love one another. We must be responsive to this command so we can have the type of relationship with Jesus that serves a greater purpose. If we are not responsive, we must ask why? What are the barriers and challenges to openly loving Jesus and one another? Remember the commandment “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and ask Jesus to remove these barriers. (Costanzo, n.d.)
Don Schwager quotes “The renaming of Matthew by Jesus,” by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.
"We must not pass over the fact that Matthew had two names, for he was also called Levi, and that name too bears witness to the grace granted to him. Levi means 'added' (or 'a joining') or 'taken up,' signifying that he was 'taken up' through being chosen by the Lord, and 'added' to the number of the apostolic band. Mark and Luke generously chose to use this name alone, so as to not make glaringly conspicuous his former way of life, for he was now their companion in the work of the Gospel (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). In setting down the list of the twelve apostles, they simply called him Matthew, not mentioning Levi (Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15). Matthew himself, on the other hand (in accord with what is written, 'The just man is the first accuser of himself; his friend came and searched him out' - Proverbs 18:17), calls himself by his ordinary name when telling of being called from his tax-collector's place, but adds pointedly 'the publican' (Matthew 10:3) - 'Thomas,' he says, 'and Matthew the publican.' In this way he offers to publicans and sinners greater confidence in securing their salvation." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.21) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:13-19 comments that as He did with his apostles, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us and deepen our companionship with him. From the Spirit, we can learn to share Jesus’ mission on earth. We might experience “nudges” from the Spirit as he helps us discern what Jesus is saying and guides us in what he is calling us to do. Maybe we will experience a sense of how much the Lord loves us. Perhaps spontaneous thoughts will arise: an impulse to speak kind, encouraging words to a neighbor or to lift up a prayer for someone who is sick.
Jesus loves you and treasures you. He wants you to be his companion. He wants to spend time with you today and every day. Believe that you have worth in his eyes, just as surely as the first apostles did. And then talk to him! Ask him what he’s doing in and around you today. Look for the Spirit’s presence in your life guiding your steps. This is what companionship looks like. Enjoy it!
“Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your companion and allowing me to share in your mission today.” (Meditation on Mark 3:13-19, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage in Hebrews proclaims Jesus as a radically new High Priest of a New Covenant that, not so politically correct, replaces the Old Covenant. The list of names of the apostles in Mark may reveal some aspects of their character. Friar Jude reminds us that the selection of Judas Iscariot was not an accident but the will of the Father.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how the prophet’s truth, message, and authority come from an experience of the heart of God.
All this is based on the prophet’s belief that they have somehow entered into the experience of God. They have entered into the heart of God. So when the prophet sees non-compassion, when they see a hard heart in the hearts of the people, the prophet says: “I know for certain that you do not know God, because the heart of God is compassion. If you do not live with compassion, then you have not entered into the heart of God, because I’ve been there, and I know the heart of God is compassion. You are hard-hearted, therefore, and your word is not the word of the Lord, because I know God.” How bold and how beautiful, that the prophet can speak with that kind of authority and that kind of assurance. (Rohr, 2019)
We ponder the love we have known on our journey as we are open to the Spirit to call us to action by the name by which we are known to Jesus.
References
Costanzo, C. (n.d.). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012023.html
Hebrews, CHAPTER 8. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/8?6
Mark, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?13
Meditation on Mark 3:13-19. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/01/20/588131/
Psalms, PSALM 85. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?8
Rohr, R. (2019, February 20). YouTube. Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/truth-from-the-heart-of-god-2023-01-20/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture ... Retrieved January 20, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan20
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