Daily Readings - Wed Jan 18 2023
Hebrews
1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham, as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him2And Abraham divided to him a tenth part of everything. And in translation his name is first, indeed, king of justice, and next also king of Salem, that is, king of peace3Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, he is thereby likened to the Son of God, who remains a priest continuously15And yet it is far more evident that, according to the likeness of Melchizedek, there rises up another priest16who was made, not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the virtue of an indissoluble life17For he testifies: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
Mark
1And again, he entered into the synagogue. And there was a man there who had a withered hand2And they observed him, to see if he would cure on the Sabbaths, so that they might accuse him3And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Stand up in the middle.4And he said to them: "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbaths, or to do evil, to give health to a life, or to destroy?" But they remained silent5And looking around at them with anger, being very saddened over the blindness of their hearts, he said to the man, "Extend your hand." And he extended it, and his hand was restored to him6Then the Pharisees, going out, immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him, as to how they might destroy him
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of priesthood and authority, as well as the call to live out our faith in a way that prioritizes love and service over rigid legalism. In the first reading from Hebrews, we encounter Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears as both a king and a priest, without the usual trappings of lineage or earthly authority. This enigmatic character is presented as a prefiguration of Christ, the eternal high priest who transcends human limitations. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Christ’s priesthood is not bound by the rules of the old covenant but is rooted in the power of an indestructible life, making his priesthood forever effective and universal.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a scene where Jesus confronts the Pharisees over their strict interpretation of the Sabbath. Jesus heals a man with a withered hand, challenging the Pharisees’ legalism and revealing their hardness of heart. This episode highlights Jesus’ authority to interpret God’s law in a way that prioritizes human well-being and compassion over rigid observance. The Pharisees’ reaction—plotting against Jesus—shows the resistance that often arises when the status quo is challenged.
These readings connect in their emphasis on the true nature of priesthood and authority. Melchizedek’s priesthood, like Christ’s, is not confined to earthly structures but is rooted in justice and peace. Similarly, Jesus’ actions in the Gospel demonstrate that true priesthood involves serving and healing, not merely adhering to rules. For us, this means living our faith in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy, even when it challenges the norms around us. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to God’s transformative power in our lives? Do we prioritize love and service over rigid adherence to rules? May we, like Christ, be instruments of healing and justice in a world that often values the opposite.