Saint Antony, Abbot
Biographical Information about St. Anthony
Readings for Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Hebrews 4:12-16
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow,
and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
No creature is concealed from him,
but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him
to whom we must render an account.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 4:12-16
The selection from Hebrews today continues the passage from yesterday. It speaks first of the Word of God (The Logos) and how the Lord is omnipresent and hyper-vigilant. The next paragraph introduces Christ as the “great high priest” and contrasts the Lord with the Hebrew high priests who were aloof and separated from the people of God. Since Jesus came in humility he brings consolation because he suffered in the same way as those he came to serve. This humanity makes him approachable even as Godhead.
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Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
This part of Psalm 19 is a formula profession of faith. It begins with the Law of God then the rules based upon the Law, and finally on faith in God. Essentially this litany says if you follow God’s law in all its fullness salvation is yours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
Once again he (Jesus) went out along the sea.
All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;
for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 2:13-17
St. Mark’s story of the call of Levi (who is commonly known as St. Matthew) is the setting for the next conflict/response interchange. Today the scribes and Pharisees challenge Jesus on the people he chooses to associate with. The Lord’s answer is one familiar to us; "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
We today reflect upon our relationship with Jesus and how we understand our individual interaction with him. The reading from Hebrews shows the contrasting natures of Jesus our high priest. While he is both omnipresent and powerful which would seem to make place him on high, beyond the reach of mortals, it also speaks of his humanity and humility. He is our brother, loving and approachable.
This same contrast of natures is seen in St. Mark’s account of the call of St. Matthew (Levi). He walks past his would-be disciple and says commandingly “Follow me.” Levi immediately does so and takes him to his home where they are joined by “tax collectors and sinners”. Jesus does not require the homage and deference of persons of power and importance. This same contrast upsets the religious leaders; the scribes and Pharisees who are critical of him. They no doubt feel he is lowering himself, making himself impure by this sorted association.
The question that is asked is complex. We are shown the High Priest, the Son of God with all power and majesty appropriate to his rank. And at the same time we see the carpenter’s son who sits down with the lowest members of the social order. Do we see ourselves as worshiping him from afar? Are we fearful of coming to close in our unworthiness? Or do we pray to our brother and friend; a fellow traveler and personal confidante with whom we share secrets and who mentors us in a familiar way?
As was noted, it is a complex question and neither answer is wrong. The Lord is, after all, both High Priest and carpenter’s son. He is at once the Lord and Messiah and our brother and friend. This is a topic that needs to be part of our ongoing formation in the faith. We need to have a relationship that at once shows the awe and respect due to the Son of God and, at the same time, have access to the grace he provides through our close association with him.
Today we pray to our High Priest that he might give us the courage to approach him and take his hand. It is a loving and gentle hand. We hope for the love of him that will allow us to find that intimate place where all our hopes and needs are laid bare and we can feel the peace, comfort and grace he offers.
Pax
Biographical Information about St. Anthony
Readings for Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Hebrews 4:12-16
Indeed, the word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit,
joints and marrow,
and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
No creature is concealed from him,
but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him
to whom we must render an account.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 4:12-16
The selection from Hebrews today continues the passage from yesterday. It speaks first of the Word of God (The Logos) and how the Lord is omnipresent and hyper-vigilant. The next paragraph introduces Christ as the “great high priest” and contrasts the Lord with the Hebrew high priests who were aloof and separated from the people of God. Since Jesus came in humility he brings consolation because he suffered in the same way as those he came to serve. This humanity makes him approachable even as Godhead.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm:[4] Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
This part of Psalm 19 is a formula profession of faith. It begins with the Law of God then the rules based upon the Law, and finally on faith in God. Essentially this litany says if you follow God’s law in all its fullness salvation is yours.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
Once again he (Jesus) went out along the sea.
All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;
for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mk 2:13-17
St. Mark’s story of the call of Levi (who is commonly known as St. Matthew) is the setting for the next conflict/response interchange. Today the scribes and Pharisees challenge Jesus on the people he chooses to associate with. The Lord’s answer is one familiar to us; "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
We today reflect upon our relationship with Jesus and how we understand our individual interaction with him. The reading from Hebrews shows the contrasting natures of Jesus our high priest. While he is both omnipresent and powerful which would seem to make place him on high, beyond the reach of mortals, it also speaks of his humanity and humility. He is our brother, loving and approachable.
This same contrast of natures is seen in St. Mark’s account of the call of St. Matthew (Levi). He walks past his would-be disciple and says commandingly “Follow me.” Levi immediately does so and takes him to his home where they are joined by “tax collectors and sinners”. Jesus does not require the homage and deference of persons of power and importance. This same contrast upsets the religious leaders; the scribes and Pharisees who are critical of him. They no doubt feel he is lowering himself, making himself impure by this sorted association.
The question that is asked is complex. We are shown the High Priest, the Son of God with all power and majesty appropriate to his rank. And at the same time we see the carpenter’s son who sits down with the lowest members of the social order. Do we see ourselves as worshiping him from afar? Are we fearful of coming to close in our unworthiness? Or do we pray to our brother and friend; a fellow traveler and personal confidante with whom we share secrets and who mentors us in a familiar way?
As was noted, it is a complex question and neither answer is wrong. The Lord is, after all, both High Priest and carpenter’s son. He is at once the Lord and Messiah and our brother and friend. This is a topic that needs to be part of our ongoing formation in the faith. We need to have a relationship that at once shows the awe and respect due to the Son of God and, at the same time, have access to the grace he provides through our close association with him.
Today we pray to our High Priest that he might give us the courage to approach him and take his hand. It is a loving and gentle hand. We hope for the love of him that will allow us to find that intimate place where all our hopes and needs are laid bare and we can feel the peace, comfort and grace he offers.
Pax
Please Pray for Jennifer
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “Feast at the House of Levi” (detail) by Paolo Veromese, 1573
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana
[4] Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved
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