Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Commentary:
Reading 1 Heb 6:10-20
We are enjoined to remain steadfast in our faith even though we may grow weary. The example of Abraham is used hear and how God made a covenant with him, swearing by himself.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
The Psalm of praise remembers the covenant with Abraham, supporting the first reading from Hebrews. We are reminded that God has given us all things and we should be thankful.
Gospel Mk 2:23-28
Mark again depicts Christ in contention with the scribes and Pharisees, this time because the picked grain to eat on the Sabbath which is considered “work” and is forbidden. Jesus goes to the spirit of the Law and gives them the example of David from 1 Sam 21:2-7 in which an exception is made to the regulation of Lev 24:9 because of the extreme hunger of David and his men. He then refutes Pharisaic Law which was added to the Old Testament tradition. He reminds them; “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The passage closes by stating that this is one more proof of Jesus’ identity.
Reflection:
“That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
Are we convinced yet? We have started our second week celebrating the fullness of Jesus’ revelation. We are given encouragement in scripture to remain steadfast in our faith on a daily basis so we can achieve what those who have gone before us have received. The Book of Hebrews has that theme through out. The Psalm reminds us that all we have and all we are is of God and from God. Finally we hear how the Lord came to fulfill what was promised; he is the Lord and King sent by God to lead us to salvation.
If we believe that the Holy Scripture is truth (see especially Dei Verbum), then we must see in this body, the history of God’s love for his creation unfolded for us. If we accept scripture as the divinely inspired work of God’s servants on earth, then we must come to understand the great gifts God has given us; creation, life, and finally His promise. His promise first to Abraham that faithfulness on earth would be rewarded. His second promise to all of us sealed with a sacrifice not just an oath. The sacrifice was God’s own Son delivered up so that our understanding of His love for us could be complete.
Are we convinced yet? Those who are in this spot are probably convinced, those who are not interested in being convinced are not likely to read what they might consider to be “Pious Pap.” So what are we to do about such people, and we encounter them each day. How can we convince them that Holy Scripture is truth and the truth shall set them free? They will ask for proofs; proof that God exists to which we say; “Look around you. Is this an accident of nature?” They will say; “It could be.” Science has explained away so much of the wonder of creation.
The only proof we can offer that cannot be refuted is our own peace that comes from Christ through the Holy Spirit. If we challenge those who do not believe with facts, we will never succeed. Only St. Thomas the Apostle, who demanded facts, was satisfied. God has always asked instead for faith. No, we must challenge those who cannot see the way with our own example. We must diligently follow the way of love provided by Jesus. And we must be patient in that love because, we accomplish nothing of worth without God’s help and God’s time is not necessarily our own.
Pax
Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Commentary:
Reading 1 Heb 6:10-20
We are enjoined to remain steadfast in our faith even though we may grow weary. The example of Abraham is used hear and how God made a covenant with him, swearing by himself.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
The Psalm of praise remembers the covenant with Abraham, supporting the first reading from Hebrews. We are reminded that God has given us all things and we should be thankful.
Gospel Mk 2:23-28
Mark again depicts Christ in contention with the scribes and Pharisees, this time because the picked grain to eat on the Sabbath which is considered “work” and is forbidden. Jesus goes to the spirit of the Law and gives them the example of David from 1 Sam 21:2-7 in which an exception is made to the regulation of Lev 24:9 because of the extreme hunger of David and his men. He then refutes Pharisaic Law which was added to the Old Testament tradition. He reminds them; “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The passage closes by stating that this is one more proof of Jesus’ identity.
Reflection:
“That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
Are we convinced yet? We have started our second week celebrating the fullness of Jesus’ revelation. We are given encouragement in scripture to remain steadfast in our faith on a daily basis so we can achieve what those who have gone before us have received. The Book of Hebrews has that theme through out. The Psalm reminds us that all we have and all we are is of God and from God. Finally we hear how the Lord came to fulfill what was promised; he is the Lord and King sent by God to lead us to salvation.
If we believe that the Holy Scripture is truth (see especially Dei Verbum), then we must see in this body, the history of God’s love for his creation unfolded for us. If we accept scripture as the divinely inspired work of God’s servants on earth, then we must come to understand the great gifts God has given us; creation, life, and finally His promise. His promise first to Abraham that faithfulness on earth would be rewarded. His second promise to all of us sealed with a sacrifice not just an oath. The sacrifice was God’s own Son delivered up so that our understanding of His love for us could be complete.
Are we convinced yet? Those who are in this spot are probably convinced, those who are not interested in being convinced are not likely to read what they might consider to be “Pious Pap.” So what are we to do about such people, and we encounter them each day. How can we convince them that Holy Scripture is truth and the truth shall set them free? They will ask for proofs; proof that God exists to which we say; “Look around you. Is this an accident of nature?” They will say; “It could be.” Science has explained away so much of the wonder of creation.
The only proof we can offer that cannot be refuted is our own peace that comes from Christ through the Holy Spirit. If we challenge those who do not believe with facts, we will never succeed. Only St. Thomas the Apostle, who demanded facts, was satisfied. God has always asked instead for faith. No, we must challenge those who cannot see the way with our own example. We must diligently follow the way of love provided by Jesus. And we must be patient in that love because, we accomplish nothing of worth without God’s help and God’s time is not necessarily our own.
Pax
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