(Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
On Saturdays in Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory memorial, an optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary is allowed.[1] Mass texts may be taken from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a Votive Mass, or from the special collection of Masses for the Blessed Virgin Mary (Suggested is #26, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Image and Mother of the Church, II).
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| ”The Calling of Matthew” by Marinus van Reymerswaele, 1536 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Hebrews 4:12-16
Commentary on Heb 4:12-16
The selection begins with focus on the Word of God (the Logos), and how the Lord is omnipresent and hyper-vigilant. The Logos discerns the heart of the person, each of whom will undergo the final judgment. Verse 14 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.
CCC: Heb 4:13 302; Heb 4:14-15 1137; Heb 4:15 467, 540, 609, 612, 2602; Heb 4:16 2778
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. (see John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Commentary on Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15
Psalm 19 is a song of praise. It rejoices in the laws and precepts set down by God and asks the Lord to find favor in those who follow them. This part of Psalm 19 is a formulaic 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.
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Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
Commentary on Mk 2:13-17
This passage from St. Mark’s Gospel documents the call of Matthew, here named Levi. The Gospel of St. Matthew renames Levi to Matthew so this tax collector, whose call is given special notice, will be included with the elevated status of the call of the first four disciples.
This story is the setting for the next conflict/response interchange. Once Matthew follows Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees challenge the Lord about the people with whom he chooses to associate because it threatens his status as “teacher.” In response, the Lord uses the famous analogy of a doctor not being needed by those who are well: "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
CCC: Mk 2:14-17 574; Mk 2:17 545, 1484, 1503
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Reflection:
Scripture calls us to 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 us 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 the Lord to his home where they are joined by Levi’s associates, “tax collectors and sinners.” Jesus does not require the homage and deference persons of power and importance might expect. The humility he assumes 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 sordid association.
The question we ask ourselves in relation to this example 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 too 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 discernment in the faith. We need to have a direct and personal relationship with Jesus that at once shows the awe and respect due to the Son of God, and, at the same time, gives us 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 that our love for him will allow us to find an intimate place where all our hopes and needs are laid bare and we can feel the peace, comfort, and grace he offers.
Pax
[1] General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar Miscellaneous Notes no. 5
[2] The picture is ” The Calling of Matthew” by Marinus van Reymerswaele, 1536
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