Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (1/18/23)

January 18 2023

Scripture

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 is a passage in the New Testament that speaks about the priesthood of Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a mysterious figure in the Bible who is first introduced in the book of Genesis as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. In this passage, the author of Hebrews is making a comparison between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek.

In verse 1, it states that Melchizedek was "king of righteousness" and "king of Salem" which means peace, meaning he is a king of righteousness and peace. In verse 2, it says "he is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever." This means that Melchizedek does not have a known genealogy and that he is eternal and without a beginning or end, thus resembling the Son of God.

In verse 15-17, it states that the Levitical priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he (Melchizedek) holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

The author of Hebrews is making the point that the Levitical priesthood, which was established through the Law of Moses, is temporary and limited because the priests die and have to be replaced. In contrast, the priesthood of Melchizedek is eternal and permanent because it is based on the one priest, Jesus Christ, who is eternal and never dies. The passage is emphasizing that Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood because it is eternal and able to save forever.

Mark 3:1-6 is a passage in the New Testament that describes an incident in which Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders of his time. The passage begins with Jesus entering a synagogue on the Sabbath, and seeing a man with a withered hand. The religious leaders, who were present, are watching Jesus closely to see if he will heal the man on the Sabbath.


In verse 3, Jesus asks the man with the withered hand to stand up in front of everyone. He then addresses the religious leaders, asking if it is lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, or to save a life or to kill. The religious leaders are unable to answer Jesus' question.


In verse 5, Jesus is filled with anger and grief over the religious leaders' hard-heartedness, and he tells the man to stretch out his hand. The man does so, and his hand is restored to health, as if it had never been withered.

This passage illustrates the contrast between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time. Jesus is concerned with healing and saving lives, while the religious leaders are more concerned with following the letter of the law. Jesus is filled with compassion for the man with the withered hand, and is willing to heal him on the Sabbath, despite the religious leaders' objections. The passage is emphasizing that Jesus is not bound by human laws, but is focused on doing what is good and compassionate.

In addition, it illustrates the attitude of Jesus towards the Sabbath. He is not bound by the Sabbath's restrictions, but instead he regards it as a day for doing good, healing and saving lives. He also, through this act shows that he is the Lord of the Sabbath, and that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.

Themes

A common theme of the superiority of Jesus' priesthood and his authority over the laws and traditions of the religious leaders of his time.

Both passages illustrate Jesus' authority and the superiority of his teachings over the laws and traditions of the religious leaders of his time. They both emphasize that Jesus' teachings are rooted in compassion and love, rather than in strict adherence to religious laws and traditions.

Haiku

Jesus, eternal priest,
superior to old ways,
compassion rules supreme.

Limerick

There once was a priest named Melchizedek,
Whose priesthood was unique and chic,
Hebrews said he was grand,
Eternal and not bland,
His authority was not antique.

In Mark, Jesus was quite a sly fox,
He healed on Sabbath, what a paradox!
The religious leaders,
Were filled with disdain and sneers,
But Jesus' compassion was not in locks.

Reflection

Today's readings from Hebrews and Mark remind us of the importance of faith and the power of God's Word. In Hebrews, we are presented with the figure of Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king who is compared to Jesus and his eternal priesthood. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood established by the Law of Moses, because it is eternal and able to save forever.

In Mark, Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders of his time, who are more concerned with following the letter of the law than with doing what is good and compassionate. Jesus, on the other hand, is not bound by the laws and traditions of the religious leaders and shows that he is the Lord of the Sabbath, and that it is lawful to do good and save lives on the Sabbath.

Both passages remind us that Jesus' teachings and authority are rooted in compassion and love, rather than in strict adherence to religious laws and traditions. They also remind us that true faith requires sacrifice and struggle, but through these trials, we can inherit the promises of God.

As we reflect on these passages, let us remember to put compassion and love before laws and traditions. Let us also strive to have an eternal faith, pressing on to maturity and following the example of Jesus and Melchizedek, who through faith and patience inherit the promises of God. Let us be like Melchizedek, a priest-king of righteousness and peace, and like Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath and the true eternal high priest.

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