(Optional Memorial for Saint Fabian, Pope and Martyr)
(Optional Memorial for Saint Sebastian, Martyr)
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| “The Last Supper” (detail) by Jacopo Bassano, c. 1546 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Hebrews 8:6-13
Commentary on Heb 8:6-13
In the prior verses (Hebrews 7:25—8:6) there was a reminder that Jesus came as the new covenant, replacing the covenant and promises of Moses. Here, the Letter to the Hebrews continues on this theme, explaining why the new covenant forged by Jesus was required. In language taken from the Old Testament prophets (Jeremiah 31:31-34), the fact that a new covenant was needed showed the old covenant to be flawed.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (11a) Kindness and truth shall meet.
Commentary on Ps 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Psalm 85 is intended as a “… national lament,” a plea of the people, “reminding God of past favors and forgiveness and begging for forgiveness and grace. A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts: God will be active on their behalf. The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Haggai 1:5-11; 2:6-9).”[4] This selection begins as a plea for mercy and salvation. It continues in expectation of God’s saving justice.
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Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Commentary on Mk 3:13-19
The setting for this event is placed on a “mountain” depicting the solemnity of the occasion, as is done in other places in St. Mark’s Gospel (see also Mark 6:46; 9:2-8; 13:3). Having called certain people to himself (unlike St. Matthew, in which the group is assumed to have been known Matthew 10:1-15), Mark’s Gospel now names the apostles. He also defines the faculties that Jesus gives them, essentially giving them purpose:”… that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
CCC: Mk 3:13-19 551, 787; Mk 3:13-14 858; Mk 3:14-19 1577; Mk 3:14-15 765; Mk 3:15 1673; Mk 3:16 552
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Reflection:
Sacred scripture describes some of the complex ways in which Jesus reveals the love of God. First we hear from the Letter to the Hebrews why Christ’s coming was so necessary, that the old covenants were flawed and the salvation of the people was incomplete. We are told that, in order for the prophet’s testimony to be fulfilled, a new covenant must be forged so that the forgiveness of God might be realized. Jesus not only made the promise that fulfilled Jeremiah’s oracle, he was also the sacrifice that sealed it according to Mosaic Law.
Jesus knew his time among us would be very limited. It was necessary, since the Lord himself was preordained to be the sacrifice of atonement, that he must leave the treasury of his teaching with persons of faith. He selected the Twelve to accomplish this task. He even selected his betrayer as part of this group of students, friends, and heirs to his authority.
This event is of extreme importance to us, since it is through the selection of the Twelve that the Apostles were consecrated to the great work that continues to this day, the propagation of the faith, taking the Good News to the whole world. It was necessary for Jesus to do as he did. There would be no other way the faith could spread because God made his creation, endowing the human race with free will. He created us in his own image, not as a race of slaves, not forcing upon his cherished people faith and adoration for himself. Instead, his Only Begotten Son selected twelve very human disciples. He gave them the authority to cast out demons, to refute the evil one who would bar the Kingdom of God on earth from coming forth.
One in particular, Peter, Jesus chose as the leader of this group. Peter, in his turn and when his formation was completed, would be tested, fail, and be empowered with the Holy Spirit. He would pass on his task and authority to his own successors. Since that time, the papacy has been handed down. And with that transmission of faith, the faith has been handed down to us, the adoption that makes us co-heirs with the twelve.
Today we pray that our own call might be clearly heard, and that we might find the strength to express God’s love in a way worthy of that call. We thank God for this eloquent reminder that we too are called, and we too are sent.
Pax
[2] The picture used today is “The Last Supper” (detail) by Jacopo Bassano, c. 1546
[4] See NAB footnote on Psalm 85
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