Daily Readings - Wed Jan 18 2023
Hebrews
1For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;2To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;3Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Mark
1And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.2And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him.3And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.4And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.5And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.6And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, 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.