DOING GOOD ON THE LORD’S DAY
Introduction
Hebrews gives us an example of rabbinical reasoning that compares the absence about data of the origin of Melchizedek with the divine origin of Jesus. The priest Melchizedek comes as if from nowhere, without any levitical, human genealogy mentioned. Likewise, Jesus has no levitical, human genealogy; he is eternal.
We sometimes reduce our religion to a matter of casuistic laws: Is it permitted to heal on Sundays? When does it become a mortal sin if I am late for Mass? Is it wrong if I do not raise my hands for the Our Father? We sometimes behave like immature kids. God wants us to grow up in our faith. Where is the Good News of Jesus? Where is our love for the Lord and for people?
Heb 7:1-3, 15-17
Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from “the royal massacre,” and gave him his blessing. Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. “Melchizedek” means “King of Righteousness.” “Salem” means “Peace.” So, he is also “King of Peace.” Melchizedek towers out of the past—without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always.
But the Melchizedek story provides a perfect analogy: Jesus, a priest like Melchizedek, not by genealogical descent but by the sheer force of resurrection life—he lives!—“priest forever in the royal order of Melchizedek.” The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside; the law brought nothing to maturity. Another way—Jesus!—a way that does work, that brings us right into the presence of God, is put in its place.
Mk 3:1-6
Then he went back in the meeting place where he found a man with a crippled hand. The Pharisees had their eyes on Jesus to see if he would heal him, hoping to catch him in a Sabbath violation. He said to the man with the crippled hand, “Stand here where we can see you.” Then he spoke to the people: “What kind of action suits the Sabbath best? Doing good or doing evil? Helping people or leaving them helpless?” No one said a word. He looked them in the eye, one after another, angry now, furious at their hard-nosed religion. He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” He held it out—it was as good as new! The Pharisees got out as fast as they could, sputtering about how they would join forces with Herod’s followers and ruin him.
Prayer
Gracious and holy God,
you have chosen us to be
your kingdom of peace and mature love.
But we have to acknowledge with shame
that there is still much room for growth.
Make our love richer, more sensitive;
Complete the work you have begun in us,
that we may have a permanent place in your heart
and reflect the adult, healing goodness
of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Reflection:
18 January 2023
Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
A priesthood to serve
Today we begin the week of prayer for Christian Unity. This week is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. This year’s observance of the week is based on the theme: “Do good, seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17). The Church is called to be the sign and instrument of the unity, God desires for the whole of His creation (cf. Lumen gentium, 1) but the division between Christians weakens the Church’s effectiveness. In this week we in a special way pray that we repent for our divisions and work together in order to be a source of reconciliation and unity in the world.
Today’s reading invites us to reflect on the meaning of Jesus Christ as our priest. It discusses both the similarities and differences between the Old Testament figure of the priest and Christ. The author recalls Psalm 110 – “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” and applies it to Christ.
Melchizedek, is described in the Book of Genesis as the King of Salem and a priest of the Most High God, who meets with Abraham (Gen 14) who was returning from a battle, and blessed him. In return, Abraham gave him “one-tenth of everything”, suggesting Abraham made an offering of tithe to the priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek, the priest “brought out bread and wine.” Christ the High Priest too comes to meet his people with the bread and wine, offering his body and blood as source of life.
You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. What is this order? Melchizedek does not come from the priestly class. In fact, there is no mention about his parents or family in the Old Testament. Jesus too, does not come from the priestly family of Aron. His priesthood results from his resurrection from the dead – therefore, a “priest for ever.” He is our High Priest but on a totally different level from the priests of the Jerusalem Temple.
Today’s scripture speaks eloquently of gratitude and generosity. Melchizedek gives Abraham a “blessing.” And Abraham, filled with gratitude, in return bestows a “tenth of everything he possessed.” So too, in the gospel Jesus heals the man with the withered arm.
It is up to us to see if our disposition, our generosity is like that of Abraham and Melchizedek, and of Jesus?