Proclaim a New Covenant

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today alert us to proclaim the New Covenant in which the Love of God written on our heart calls us to act in Jesus name.

Speak Truth and Compassion

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivers the sermon at a national prayer service Jan. 21, 2025, at the Washington National Cathedral with U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance in attendance. (OSV News photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters)

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the 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).

* [8:8–12] In citing Jeremiah the author follows the Septuagint; some apparent departures from it may be the result of a different Septuagintal text rather than changes deliberately introduced.

* [8:13] Close to disappearing: from the prophet’s perspective, not that of the author of Hebrews. (Hebrews, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, 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 | USCCB, 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.

* [3:16] Simon, whom he named Peter: Mark indicates that Simon’s name was changed on this occasion. Peter is first in all lists of the apostles (Mt 10:2; Lk 6:14; Acts 1:13; cf. 1 Cor 15:5–8). (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mirielle Leonard reflects on the people who felt God’s call in such a way that they left their entire lives behind to travel the world spreading the Gospel and helping communities. She has to think a little smaller. In fact, most of us will never hear such a dramatic calling.

What will we hear? What about the nudge to include a new coworker or classmate at a social gathering? Do I feel called to donate to a particular cause? Has someone been on my mind a lot lately who may need prayers? What about a conviction to work on myself in some way? I think many “callings” are smaller than we imagine. The bible is full of grand, inspiring stories that may make us feel like our everyday lives cannot compare, but these “small” callings are just as impactful to the Kingdom of God.  Imagine the changes that listening more intently to God’s calls could bring. (I like to call them God’s nudges, because the influence of God is a subtlety I work to discern). (Leonard, 2025)

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 Jesus knows what kind of fruit he’s looking for, and he knows who can produce that fruit—because he’s the one who “planted” them in the first place. He chose them because he knew who they could become. That’s why he picked the men he did. He knew that the time they spent with him and the working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts would lift them up and change the way they thought and acted. He knew that each of these men could bring his gospel to the world.

Jesus still summons those he wants today—and he wants you! Maybe you’re not called to be an apostle, but you are called to be a disciple. Jesus knew what he was doing when he chose you. Yes, he sees your flaws and weaknesses. But, as with the apostles, he sees your goodness as well and all that you can become. He knows the fruit you will bear, and it’s fruit that only you can bear.

The Lord wants you in his garden. He has a special place for you.

“Lord, here I am. Help me to bear fruit for your kingdom today!” (Meditation on Mark 3:13-19, n.d.)

Connor Hartigan, an O'Hare Fellow and former editorial intern at America Media, comments that when Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington took to the pulpit of the National Cathedral during a national prayer service on Tuesday, (January 21) the day after the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, and spoke up on behalf of some of the most vulnerable people in the United States, she was performing one of the most essential tasks of Christian ministry.

Bishop Budde’s empathy for the persecuted may have annoyed or discomfited powerful politicians on Tuesday; this is a sign that she is doing her job. Her sermon is but the most recent in a long history of Christian exhortations to the powerful to abide by the values of the Gospel:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Hartigan, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the contrast in Hebrews between the Hebrew Covenant, written in stone with the New Covenant written on our hearts. The relationship with the Hebrew Covenant expressed in Matthew and in Good Friday prayers reaffirms the sanctity of the Covenant with the Jewish people. Friar Jude reminds us of the naming differences in the texts of some of the twelve apostles.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers an encouraging reminder that we don’t need to be perfect in order to be loved and accepted by God. 

What I like to call “holy dissatisfaction” gave me my instinct for reform, but it also chewed me up. In the first half of my life, I was constantly thinking, “It’s not supposed to be that way!” I was constantly noticing, “That isn’t it! That isn’t it!” It’s only in the second half of my life that I am finally able to live in the holy tension of accepting that a “remnant” or “critical mass” is enough. Scattered in each group are always a few who get it, a few who live and love the gospel. When that became enough, and even more than enough (even in myself), I was free. So, this scriptural image of “remnant” or “yeast”—to use Jesus’ words—is very important for me and my own liberation. If I’m going to wait for the reign of God to be fully realized before I can be happy, I’m never going to be happy. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Spirit to rise to the challenge to proclaim the values of the Gospel in our words and actions as disciples of Jesus.

References

Hartigan, C. (n.d.). Bishop Budde, Trump and the history of faith leaders getting political. America Magazine | The Jesuit Review of Faith & Culture. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/01/23/bishop-budde-trump-mercy-249768?utm_source=piano&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2928&pnespid=q7RtATxcJaYY3P_a_iikAozXtU2_VINtNLPnyOd08gJm_.OQTqrWlvUr62TWJYDZs4n0pR38 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/8?6 

Leonard, M. (2025, January 24). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012425.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?13 

Meditation on Mark 3:13-19. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/01/24/1186294/ 

Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Releasing Any Need for Perfection. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/releasing-any-need-for-perfection/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jan24 

Divided Direction

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the Spirit of Love as the Way of Jesus to transform the world. The texts resonate with the encouragement of the USCCB to pray for protection of unborn children today.

Decisions for Full Life

The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews proclaims the Sacrifice of Jesus as mediator of a new covenant.

* [9:23–28] Since the blood of animals became a cleansing symbol among Old Testament prefigurements, it was necessary that the realities foreshadowed be brought into being by a shedding of blood that was infinitely more effective by reason of its worth (Heb 9:23). Christ did not simply prefigure the heavenly realities (Heb 9:24) by performing an annual sacrifice with a blood not his own (Heb 9:25); he offered the single sacrifice of himself as the final annulment of sin (Heb 9:26). Just as death is the unrepeatable act that ends a person’s life, so Christ’s offering of himself for all is the unrepeatable sacrifice that has once for all achieved redemption (Heb 9:27–28). (Hebrews, CHAPTER 9, n.d.)

Psalm 98 praises the Judge of the World.

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is contrasted with Beelzebul with the example of a kingdom divided against itself.

* [3:29] Whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit: this sin is called an everlasting sin because it attributes to Satan, who is the power of evil, what is actually the work of the holy Spirit, namely, victory over the demons. (Mark, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. comments that Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who try to twist what he is saying and represents, to such a degree that they call Jesus evil. The debate over the sanctity of human life has too often resulted in each side demonizing the other. It's hard to imagine it any other way. Jesus is clearly not evil. Demonizing is really not of the Spirit.

To pray for the legal protection of unborn human life is to become an advocate for "safeguarding the dignity of every human life." It is praying that our God will help us find ways to protect the identity of unborn life as human in its origin, and worthy of legal protection. At the same time, we must pray for those who find themselves in unexpected, unwanted, even forced pregnancies. We can ask how we can together aid those women in their difficult circumstances, in ways that protect the life developing within them, and support those women with their difficult decision to give birth to that life. To pray today for the protection of unborn human life, invites us to be advocates for all human life, for the dignity of each human person, at every stage of life, in every circumstance. May the Author of Life help us find a way. (Alexander, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The cross of Christ as victory,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"It is not difficult, therefore, to see how the devil was conquered when he, who was slain by him, rose again. But there is something greater and more profound of comprehension: to see how the devil was conquered precisely when he was thought to be conquering, namely, when Christ was crucified. For at that moment the blood of him who had no sin at all, was shed for the remission of our sins (Matthew 26:28, 1 John 3:5). The devil deservedly held those whom he had bound by sin to the condition of death. So it happened that One who was guilty of no sin freed them justly from this condemnation (Hebrews 2:14). The strong man was conquered by this paradoxical justice and bound by this chain, that his vessels [booty] might be taken away. Those vessels which had been vessels of wrath were turned into vessels of mercy (Romans 9:22-23)." (excerpt ON THE TRINITY 13.15.19) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 that on this day when many of us pray for the protection of unborn children, we can draw hope from this passage about Jesus, our compassionate high priest.

Even now, Jesus stands before his heavenly Father interceding for us. He is offering mercy and healing to every family wounded by abortion. He is pouring out grace for every man or woman who feels alone as they consider the future of their unborn child. And he is interceding for each of us, that we might meet the needs of every child and every parent. Let’s join him in praying that God’s kingdom would come—so that there will be no more abortion or poverty or hunger or violence. May God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

“Jesus, you take away every sin! Have mercy on us and on the whole world.” (Meditation on Hebrews 9:15, 24-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the Hebrews passage where Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant in His Sacrifice on the Cross. The word play on the Baal of Zebul is connected to the name of Beelzebul. Friar Jude reminds us of the need to change life patterns as we are often “sin a holics”.

Barbara Holmes invites the students at CAC’s Living School to reflect on Jesus’ prophetic tasks. Prophecy comes to life as love. Jesus the prophet is love manifested. We also can be love manifested in the world.

Because Jesus has come and truly overturned and overcome the systems of the world, he beckons us to do likewise. You see, the system says, “It can’t be done. You cannot walk on water. Gravity wins.” The system says that “religion is of no use except to placate the people, and you’d better put your money in growth mutual funds.” Jesus says there’s another way, the prophetic way, and even now Jesus beckons, saying, “Step out on the water, come.”   

Now, you may be thinking, “How am I going to walk on water? I don’t even know how to swim.” Well, we offer our gifts to God and our neighbors, that’s how we walk on water. Your gift may be prayer or art or business or teaching, but the prophetic call will hone your gifts so that your very lives are a prophetic witness to the world. (Holmes, n.d.)

We trust that by following the guidance of the Spirit our actions for fullness of life will always reflect the love of God for all Creation.

References

Alexander, A. (2023, January 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012323.html 

Hebrews, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/9?15 

Holmes, B. (n.d.). Prophecy is Love Manifested. Daily Meditations Archive: 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/prophecy-is-love-manifested-2023-01-23/ 

Mark, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?22 

Meditation on Hebrews 9:15, 24-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/01/23/592368/ 

Psalms, PSALM 98. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Frees Us from Satan's Power. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=jan23