Readings for Friday of the First Week in Ordinary[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a
The story of Samuel’s life is concluded with a request from the people for him (Samuel) to appoint a King to “Judge” them. Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah had been appointed as Judges but were seen as corrupt, hence the statement “…your sons do not follow your example”. Samuel is concerned over the people’s request because he believes that they should look to God as their only king but God tells Samuel to give them what they ask for. This he eventually does but not without warning them first of the damage they will suffer as a consequence. The continue with their desire –“ We too must be like other nations”. Ultimately Saul is appointed as King.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Though Psalm 89 is a lament, this first section is prophetic and reiterates the Davidic Dynasty. The intended support for the Samuel reading above is clear.
Gospel Mark 2:1-12
St. Mark’s story of the healing of the paralytic clearly demonstrates the linkage between healing and forgiveness. It also begins a series of conflicts between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees. When Jesus tells the paralytic his sins are forgiven the Scribes immediately understand the revelatory nature of the statement, only God has the authority to forgive sins. Since they do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, his words are blasphemy, a charge they will bring out again later at his trial.
The Lord’s response “…the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” is probably directed at St. Mark’s Christian audience rather than at the scribes in the story or the paralytic. His identity is then confirmed by the miraculous action that follows as the paralytic is told to rise, pick up his mate and go.
Reflection:
Scripture focuses us on our faith in God’s love today. In the first reading from the first book of Samuel we hear how the lack of faith in God leads the Jews to call on Samuel to appoint a secular ruler to “Judge” them. In this case, that term “Judge” is understood as the early Jewish community’s means of settling disputes. They appointed judges to be fair and impartial, using the Law of Moses to guide the solution, sort of like binding arbitration today. The people as a whole were more of a loosely held coalition of the twelve tribes who cooperated with God’s law and will through their religious leaders. They have now apparently seen that other nations have adopted a monarchy and want to be like them. They would rather put their faith in men than in God. We see Samuel’s concern and response. He warns them of he consequences. Secular power is dangerous. It will cost the people dearly both in money and freedom.
That is our first example of faith in God’s love today. An inverse lesson that shows us what lack of faith leads to. The second example is given in the Gospel of St. Mark. Jesus has returned to civilization after going out into the desert to pray. Word spreads of his return to Capernaum and people start to gather again. The miracle worker and healer has returned.
We are told that the crowds were too dense for the friends of the paralyzed man to get close to Jesus so they climbed up on the roof of the house (probably either thatched or tiled, and removed a chunk of the roofing and lowered their friend into Jesus presence.
We ask ourselves first, what did they think of Jesus? Did they think “Here is a holy man, sent by God that can cure our friend.”? We assume so because of the Lord’s response. This story really emphasizes the link between faith (hope) and healing. We wonder if the paralytic was truly paralyzed because he had sinned or if he was an instrument God chose to show us the power of Jesus so we might have faith.
We, never the less, see the lesson scripture teaches. Faith in God’s love for us can bring healing. It heals the body and the soul. Physiologically it has been shown that a person who has faith and is imbued with the peace of Christ can overcome physical illness much more quickly than those without. We will not even go into the more miraculous instances today.
The lesson today is clear – we are called to be a people who place their faith in God not man. Our hope is in the Lord who can bring healing and peace to those who believe in him. This is the faith we are called to share. Today we rejoice in the gift of hope we are given and pray that it is passed on to those we meet.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Jesus Heals the Paralytic” by Alexandre Bida, c. 1823-1825
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a
The story of Samuel’s life is concluded with a request from the people for him (Samuel) to appoint a King to “Judge” them. Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah had been appointed as Judges but were seen as corrupt, hence the statement “…your sons do not follow your example”. Samuel is concerned over the people’s request because he believes that they should look to God as their only king but God tells Samuel to give them what they ask for. This he eventually does but not without warning them first of the damage they will suffer as a consequence. The continue with their desire –“ We too must be like other nations”. Ultimately Saul is appointed as King.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Though Psalm 89 is a lament, this first section is prophetic and reiterates the Davidic Dynasty. The intended support for the Samuel reading above is clear.
Gospel Mark 2:1-12
St. Mark’s story of the healing of the paralytic clearly demonstrates the linkage between healing and forgiveness. It also begins a series of conflicts between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees. When Jesus tells the paralytic his sins are forgiven the Scribes immediately understand the revelatory nature of the statement, only God has the authority to forgive sins. Since they do not believe Jesus is the Messiah, his words are blasphemy, a charge they will bring out again later at his trial.
The Lord’s response “…the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” is probably directed at St. Mark’s Christian audience rather than at the scribes in the story or the paralytic. His identity is then confirmed by the miraculous action that follows as the paralytic is told to rise, pick up his mate and go.
Reflection:
Scripture focuses us on our faith in God’s love today. In the first reading from the first book of Samuel we hear how the lack of faith in God leads the Jews to call on Samuel to appoint a secular ruler to “Judge” them. In this case, that term “Judge” is understood as the early Jewish community’s means of settling disputes. They appointed judges to be fair and impartial, using the Law of Moses to guide the solution, sort of like binding arbitration today. The people as a whole were more of a loosely held coalition of the twelve tribes who cooperated with God’s law and will through their religious leaders. They have now apparently seen that other nations have adopted a monarchy and want to be like them. They would rather put their faith in men than in God. We see Samuel’s concern and response. He warns them of he consequences. Secular power is dangerous. It will cost the people dearly both in money and freedom.
That is our first example of faith in God’s love today. An inverse lesson that shows us what lack of faith leads to. The second example is given in the Gospel of St. Mark. Jesus has returned to civilization after going out into the desert to pray. Word spreads of his return to Capernaum and people start to gather again. The miracle worker and healer has returned.
We are told that the crowds were too dense for the friends of the paralyzed man to get close to Jesus so they climbed up on the roof of the house (probably either thatched or tiled, and removed a chunk of the roofing and lowered their friend into Jesus presence.
We ask ourselves first, what did they think of Jesus? Did they think “Here is a holy man, sent by God that can cure our friend.”? We assume so because of the Lord’s response. This story really emphasizes the link between faith (hope) and healing. We wonder if the paralytic was truly paralyzed because he had sinned or if he was an instrument God chose to show us the power of Jesus so we might have faith.
We, never the less, see the lesson scripture teaches. Faith in God’s love for us can bring healing. It heals the body and the soul. Physiologically it has been shown that a person who has faith and is imbued with the peace of Christ can overcome physical illness much more quickly than those without. We will not even go into the more miraculous instances today.
The lesson today is clear – we are called to be a people who place their faith in God not man. Our hope is in the Lord who can bring healing and peace to those who believe in him. This is the faith we are called to share. Today we rejoice in the gift of hope we are given and pray that it is passed on to those we meet.
Pax
[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture used today is “Jesus Heals the Paralytic” by Alexandre Bida, c. 1823-1825
No comments:
Post a Comment