Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Commentary:
Reading 1 Heb 5:1-10
This is an important passage from the standpoint of understanding the call to ministry, especially the Priesthood. It is frequently used at ordinations and provides an understanding of what it means to be called to a vocation; “No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God.”
The second part of the reading continues with Christ’s own call. The author does an excellent job of capturing Christ’s humanity in this description.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek
We are given the reference point used in the Hebrews reading we just heard. The psalmist, David, reflects upon the call to service of the people. The final verse specifically mentions the High Priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20); like other kings of the time he performed priestly functions.
Gospel Mk 2:18-22
Once again, I cannot do better than the footnote on this section from the NAB: “Can the wedding guests fast?: the bridal metaphor expresses a new relationship of love between God and his people in the person and mission of Jesus to his disciples. It is the inauguration of the new and joyful messianic time of fulfillment and the passing of the old. Any attempt at assimilating the Pharisaic practice of fasting, or of extending the preparatory discipline of John's disciples beyond the arrival of the bridegroom, would be as futile as sewing a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak or pouring new wine into old wineskins with the resulting destruction of both cloth and wine (Mark 2:21-22). Fasting is rendered superfluous during the earthly ministry of Jesus; cf Mark 2:20.”
Reflection:
After reading the footnote on the Gospel which was quoted above, we wonder if this part of the Gospel is used by the Protestant sects to refute our practice of fasting and abstinence during Lent and on Fridays. It is clear that in this example, Jesus was speaking of his earthly ministry as being the reasons his disciples did not fast. It is also clear that the disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting as a “sin offering” and since the Messiah came as that offering, fasting was not necessary.
What immediately grabs us today is that first reading from Hebrews that speaks of the call to service. While Melchizedek is the archetype for the modern Priest, his ancient role is instructive for us as well. It seems that Melchizedek was a secular king and he was deputized by Abraham (the picture above is that event) to perform priestly tasks for the people.
In that same sense we are called to be a “priestly people” ministering to one another. Just as the bridal metaphor used again today is a symbol of God’s love for his people, so we are called, by his example to demonstrate that same love to our brothers and sisters. As usual, this is the difficult part of our calling. But this is one we can put on someone else. If you ask yourself why you are ignoring your baser impulses and sacrificing for the sake of others, you can tell others, “God made me do it.” For, hopefully, it is for His greater glory that we do this things and it is only with His help that we accomplish any good thing.
Pax
Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Commentary:
Reading 1 Heb 5:1-10
This is an important passage from the standpoint of understanding the call to ministry, especially the Priesthood. It is frequently used at ordinations and provides an understanding of what it means to be called to a vocation; “No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God.”
The second part of the reading continues with Christ’s own call. The author does an excellent job of capturing Christ’s humanity in this description.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek
We are given the reference point used in the Hebrews reading we just heard. The psalmist, David, reflects upon the call to service of the people. The final verse specifically mentions the High Priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20); like other kings of the time he performed priestly functions.
Gospel Mk 2:18-22
Once again, I cannot do better than the footnote on this section from the NAB: “Can the wedding guests fast?: the bridal metaphor expresses a new relationship of love between God and his people in the person and mission of Jesus to his disciples. It is the inauguration of the new and joyful messianic time of fulfillment and the passing of the old. Any attempt at assimilating the Pharisaic practice of fasting, or of extending the preparatory discipline of John's disciples beyond the arrival of the bridegroom, would be as futile as sewing a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak or pouring new wine into old wineskins with the resulting destruction of both cloth and wine (Mark 2:21-22). Fasting is rendered superfluous during the earthly ministry of Jesus; cf Mark 2:20.”
Reflection:
After reading the footnote on the Gospel which was quoted above, we wonder if this part of the Gospel is used by the Protestant sects to refute our practice of fasting and abstinence during Lent and on Fridays. It is clear that in this example, Jesus was speaking of his earthly ministry as being the reasons his disciples did not fast. It is also clear that the disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting as a “sin offering” and since the Messiah came as that offering, fasting was not necessary.
What immediately grabs us today is that first reading from Hebrews that speaks of the call to service. While Melchizedek is the archetype for the modern Priest, his ancient role is instructive for us as well. It seems that Melchizedek was a secular king and he was deputized by Abraham (the picture above is that event) to perform priestly tasks for the people.
In that same sense we are called to be a “priestly people” ministering to one another. Just as the bridal metaphor used again today is a symbol of God’s love for his people, so we are called, by his example to demonstrate that same love to our brothers and sisters. As usual, this is the difficult part of our calling. But this is one we can put on someone else. If you ask yourself why you are ignoring your baser impulses and sacrificing for the sake of others, you can tell others, “God made me do it.” For, hopefully, it is for His greater glory that we do this things and it is only with His help that we accomplish any good thing.
Pax
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