Ministry and Multitudes

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to petition the Spirit to instruct us in the joy of the message of Jesus for all people.

Multitude Gathered

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

* [7:27] Such daily sacrifice is nowhere mentioned in the Mosaic law; only on the Day of Atonement is it prescribed that the high priest must offer sacrifice…for his own sins and then for those of the people (Lv 16:11–19). Once for all: this translates the Greek words ephapax/hapax that occur eleven times in Hebrews. (Hebrews, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, 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).

* [8:2] The sanctuary: the Greek term could also mean “holy things” but bears the meaning “sanctuary” elsewhere in Hebrews (Heb 9:8, 12, 24, 25; 10:19; 13:11). The true tabernacle: the heavenly tabernacle that the Lord…set up is contrasted with the earthly tabernacle that Moses set up in the desert. True means “real” in contradistinction to a mere “copy and shadow” (Heb 8:5); compare the Johannine usage (e.g., Jn 1:9; 6:32; 15:1). The idea that the earthly sanctuary is a reflection of a heavenly model may be based upon Ex 25:9, but probably also derives from the Platonic concept of a real world of which our observable world is merely a shadow. (Hebrews, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 40 is a Thanksgiving for Deliverance and a 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 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark describes a Multitude at the Lakeside and the Mercy of Jesus.

* [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).

* [3:11–12] See note on Mk 1:24–25. (Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Joan Blandin Howard comments that Ignatius invites us to use our imaginations and senses when we pray.  It is a prayer of building a reciprocal relationship with Jesus. Jesus has experienced all that we have – dancing & laughing all the while conscious of the other guests, the hosts and as all loving sons attentive to his mother.

This begs the question – why do I follow Jesus?  Possibly, for all the above reasons – for what Jesus can do for me.  I like to think that I follow Jesus for my transformation.  Who I become in relationship with Jesus.  I love the “we” coming to life. Together we fed the hungry, visit the sick and elderly, welcome the stranger, the refugee.  It is not always happy times, beach meals, dancing and singing  – but always rich, meaningful and brings the deep abiding Joy that is Jesus.  Jesus knows, mostly I do not, how transforming is our presence to the other.  Relationship is the measure of transformation, of deep abiding Joy.

Happiness is fleeting, Joy of Jesus is abiding. (Howard, 2025)

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.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 3:7-12 is not to dismiss the crowds Jesus saw that day as hopelessly selfish. They were only doing what they were used to doing. Remember, too, that this passage occurs very early in Jesus’ ministry, when people were only starting to understand who he was. Jesus understood that, and he was very patient and very generous in working with them.

And that’s the way he is with us. He wants to transform us into disciples committed to loving God and caring for one another more than ourselves. And he knows that will only happen as we decide every day to follow in his footsteps. After all, being a disciple is so much more rewarding than being a superfan!

“Jesus, help me to follow you with my whole heart.” (Meditation on Mark 3:7-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Hebrews presents the events and themes in the Hebrew Testament as a prefiguring of Jesus' teaching. Mark describes the people from Judea and pagan territories who follow Jesus. Friar Jude notes that “Son of God” in Mark’s Gospel is used rarely and refers to the “only begotten Son of God” as recognized by the spiritual creatures.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes who describes the pressure placed on Black women to be strong, available to others, and without needs of their own. She refers to this cultural expectation as an archetype of “StrongBlackWoman”. Walker-Barnes imagines sharing her “addiction” to overextension and strength in a recovery group.  

If this were a twelve-step meeting for StrongBlackWomen, I would begin by saying, “Hi, my name is Chanequa and I’m a StrongBlackWoman. I have been in recovery for over a decade now. But at most, I’ve probably only accrued a few weeks of being clean at once. I relapse constantly, maybe even daily. I don’t know if I’ll ever break free of this thing. But I’m here. And just for today, I will make at least one decision in favor of my physical, spiritual, emotional, and relational health. Just for today, I will try to let go of my need for control, to become aware of when I need help, and to ask for help when I need it. Just for today, I give myself permission to cry when I’m sad, to scream when I’m frustrated, to smile and laugh when I’m happy, and to dance like I’ve got wings when the Spirit moves me. Just for today, I will reject the mandate to be a StrongBlackWoman. Just for today, I will simply be.”   (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder our understanding and acceptance of the “New Covenant” that proclaims the call to a ministry of love and compassion for all people.

References

Hebrews, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/7

Hebrews, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hebrews/8 

Howard, J. B. (2025, January 23). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/012325.html 

Mark, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/3?7 

Meditation on Mark 3:7-12. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/01/23/1185422/ 

Psalms, PSALM 40 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/40?7 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Laying Down the Burden of Strength. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/laying-down-the-burden-of-strength/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 23, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jan23 

Born with a Call to Serve

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on the mission that may be contained in the name by which we are called by the Spirit to serve the people of God.

Called by Name

The reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah describes the servant’s mission.

* [49:1–7] The second of the four “servant of the Lord” oracles (cf. note on 42:1–4).

* [49:1] Gave me my name: designated me for a special task or mission (cf. Jer 1:5).

* [49:3] Israel: the servant is identified with the people of Israel as their ideal representative; however, vv. 5–6 seem to distinguish the servant from Israel.

* [49:6] The servant’s vocation extends beyond the restoration of Israel in order to bring the knowledge of Israel’s God to the rest of the earth; cf. Lk 2:32. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 49, n.d.)

Psalm 139 praises the Inescapable God.

* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s presence in every part of the universe (Ps 139:7–12), and of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). Summing up Ps 139:1–16, 17–18 express wonder. There is only one place hostile to God’s rule—wicked people. The psalmist prays to be removed from their company (Ps 139:19–24). (Psalms, PSALM 139, n.d.)

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles shares Paul’s address in the Synagogue.

* [13:16–41] This is the first of several speeches of Paul to Jews proclaiming that the Christian church is the logical development of Pharisaic Judaism (see also Acts 24:10–21; 26:2–23). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, the Birth of John the Baptist is recalled.

* [1:57–66] The birth and circumcision of John above all emphasize John’s incorporation into the people of Israel by the sign of the covenant (Gn 17:1–12). The narrative of John’s circumcision also prepares the way for the subsequent description of the circumcision of Jesus in Lk 2:21. At the beginning of his two-volume work Luke shows those who play crucial roles in the inauguration of Christianity to be wholly a part of the people of Israel. At the end of the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21:20; 22:3; 23:6–9; 24:14–16; 26:2–8, 22–23) he will argue that Christianity is the direct descendant of Pharisaic Judaism. (Luke, CHAPTER 1, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock comments that  through Ignatian contemplative prayer, she enters the scene of people gathering for a ceremony for John’s circumcision. Once Zechariah wrote the name John on the tablet he begins speaking in praise of God.  We are witnessing something from God.  We are beginning to understand that this baby is not simply a baby who was long awaited by his parents but a “miracle baby” who is destined for great things.

As my imagination leaves the scene of the party I open my heart and listen carefully for the voice of God.  I ask God to show me times I have been stricken metaphorically mute by not putting my abiding faith in God.  I pray for the courage to speak up for those who have been denied the opportunity to speak for themselves… people experiencing poverty, illness, incarceration, violence, shame, homelessness.  I thank God for reminding me that I am surrounded by the support of family, friends and neighbors especially in those moments when I feel alone. And today I pray for my strong and resourceful grandmothers, Mary and Lena, who were the inspiration for my name. (Creighton U. Daily Reflection, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The grace of God,” by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.

"John means 'the grace of God' or 'in whom there is grace.' By this name are expressed the entire extent of the grace of the gospel dispensation which he was to proclaim, and especially the Lord himself, through whom this grace was to be granted to the world... As to his subsequent declaration and confirmation of the name of John, and the opening of Zechariah's mouth and his speaking, blessing God, it is surely evident that once the grace of the new covenant was manifested by the apostles, a large number of priests also became obedient to the faith." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 2.20) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6 comments that only eyes of faith could see in this infant the mighty prophet God had sent to prepare his people for the Messiah. John was destined to be the spark that would bring light to the nations. But his beginning was small indeed. In a similar way, our understanding of God’s ways often begins with just a glimmer. And that’s a mercy. It’s easier on our eyes than if God were to suddenly shine the full brightness of his light on us.

So don’t be discouraged if you catch only a glimpse of God’s love and his plan. Rejoice in what you do grasp, and ask the Holy Spirit to shed more light to deepen your understanding. Here’s a way to begin. Slow down and reread today’s Scriptures. Is there a word or phrase that ignites your interest or resonates with your spirit? Stop there. Linger with that spark and see where it leads you. “Lord Jesus, lead me ever closer to you, for you are the Light of the World and the light of my life.” (Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that the Suffering Servant passage from the Prophet Isaiah might be applied to John the Baptist. The unworthiness of John the Baptist to unfasten the sandal of Jesus may refer to the matrimonial symbolism of the Levirate marriage as he is deferring to Jesus to become the husband of the widow Israel. FriarJude reminds us to seek our “name” for service with awe and anticipation.

James Finley notes that, in a dialogue about spirituality and the Twelve Steps, Father Thomas Keating (1923–2018) identifies the role of emotional sobriety in recovery. CAC teacher James Finley poetically describes the encounter with God that supports our healing from addiction.

Can I join God in knowing who God knows me to be? Can I join God in seeing who God sees me to be . . . ? This is salvation. In order to do this, I have to let go of my own present way of seeing things, and I discover I can’t. We’re afraid to lose the control that we think that we have over the life that we think that we’re living, and we’re addicted to what binds us. “Out of the depths I cry unto thee, O Lord!” [Psalm 130:1] This is the cry for salvation. . . . Is this possible, that I could place my life over into your hands? Then the mystery of the cross is this mystery of being liberated from this deep addiction to the illusion of an ultimately isolated self that has to make it on its own. To realize I’m in the presence of the love that loves us and takes us to itself. Through that inner process of discipleship, or whatever we want to call it, we can come to . . . true sobriety, the peace of God that surpasses understanding. (Finley, 2022)

The Christian tradition of a Baptismal and Confirmation name mirrors our faith in being “called by name” by God, through the Spirit, to live in service of others in accord with the will of God. 

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 13. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/13?22 

Creighton U. Daily Reflection. (n.d.). Online Ministries. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062322.html 

Finley, J. (2022, June 23). An Enormous Freedom — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-enormous-freedom-2022-06-23/ 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 49. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 1. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?57 

Meditation on Isaiah 49:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2022/06/23/416595/ 

Psalms, PSALM 139. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=jun23a