We begin this new week with the Baptism of the Lord which quickly came after the celebration of the Epiphany. 30 years… poof… just like that. But interesting things happen when Christmas falls on a Sunday! We are back to Ordinary time and that brings us into the Letter to the Hebrews.
This letter, makes the argument to the people of the Hebrew Community that Jesus was indeed the Christ. We do not know for certain who wrote it, however tradition does say that it was written by Paul. It certainly was written by someone who know both the Scriptures very well, but also someone who could make a very good argument, in the way of the day.
We must remember that Paul was trained by a great teacher in both Gamaliel and of course Jesus, so he certainly would have been no slouch when it came to making a good logical and scripturally sound argument for Jesus being the Messiah.
Jesus is the Messiah
That is truly what this first period of Ordinary time is about… showing that Jesus is the Messiah. The Letter to the Hebrews augments the Gospel messages from Mark this week. This all begins with Jesus teaching in the temple. We should be looking for the words that are used as well as the words not used. The words being used in these passages of Mark are not evoking a question in the mind… but it is stating fact.
Jesus is teaching with authority (unlike the scribes and others). His authority is very strong since He taught well but also held authority over evil spirits (one can presume good spirits/angels as well). This had never been seen before and occurring right inside the Temple itself on the Sabbath in front of quite a number of people. Mark’s message is here is a fact… It happened in front of people and people talked about it for a long time. Jesus’ “fame spread throughout the whole region of Galilee.”
We are learning from our brother
It is quite apparent that the words and the actions being done are for the good. Jesus has taken away an unclean spirit and taught with full authority, He knows these scriptures well… He wrote them and knows them as the source of all knowledge. He too is doing this for his brothers and sisters. Jesus is not holding this authority over people He is giving of it freely as God gives any Gift. His grace is always given freely and it is our own freewill which can accept or refuse it.
Yet the words spoken come forth from Christ throughout the week, Jesus heals those whose faith allows them to be healed. The picture of friends tearing through the roof to have their friend healed. But notice the healings that occur do more than just eliminate a malady… they restore the full life of the person. The one on the mat no longer has to beg for scraps, but can get out and work, provide for his family and support his community. The healing of the leper does more than eliminate the leprosy… the man is able to become part of the community again. His gifts and talents enrich the community of a whole. This is not some “magic” trick that is done and vanishes. This is a true action from God Himself.
Psalm 95
It is so fitting that a number of times, in the Letter to the Hebrews, Psalm 95 is referenced. Not the entire Psalm, but one specific part, the plea that we actually listen to the voice of God. “Today listen to the voice of the Lord Do not grow stubborn as your fathers did in the wilderness…”
And so we see, in Mark, God is here. Any question of that is meted out in Thursdays readings. The Temple leaders are astonished that Jesus forgives sin. For only God can forgive sin. God is the only one who can forgive sin, simply because all sin is an “injury” to Him. Every person is created by God and sustained by God therefore any injury to that person, God takes personally.
Only God can forgive Sin and Jesus Proves He can
Jesus hears the wondering and astonishment in thoughts of Blasphemy in their hearts and stops them in their tracks. And his response is not spiteful or angry… but here they are asked to “Listen to the voice of the Lord”. Since it is easier (for God) to forgive sins than for a paralyzed man to raise up, pick up his mat and go home… Jesus shows everyone that He does have the authority to forgive sins… because He in deed is God. (mic drop)
The arguments from Hebrews follow along beautifully with the good news being received out of Mark. The calling of Levi brings with it no questions… but his actions rankled the feathers of the Pharisees. But again Jesus reminds them of their true job which is not to bring money or offerings to the Temple… but to repent, change their hearts and those who have gone off on their own, be brought back into God’s Kingdom.
All of this brings us to the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, happy are we who are called to his supper. Our invitation to the Eucharist and Communion are introduced by Isaiah and the beginning Letter to the Corinthians. Let these readings open up the Holy Spirit in our hearts to bring him again into our hearts to receive God himself into our body’s and blood.