The Ministry of Jesus

Heb. 7: 1-3.15-17, Mk 3:1-6. The contrast between the ministry of Jesus and that of the religious leaders of His time is apparent in the readings. Today’s first reading recounts the life of Melchizedek, the priest mentioned in Genesis 14:17-20. There is a comparison between Melchizedek and Jesus and a contrast between the two of them and the Aaronic or Levitical priests (priests descended from Aaron who was a descendant of Levi). Melchizedek met Abraham on his way back from a short military excursion against some local chiefs and blesses him; then in the Gospel we have the conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus, about what is allowed on the Sabbath. He is “deeply grieved” by their insistence that not even a work of healing should be allowed on the day of the Lord.Notice how even the normally peace-loving Abraham was drawn into action in order to rescue his relative from the violence of marauding local warlords and is blessed by Melchizedek on his return from this righteous intervention. We need always to remember our Lord’s warning that “those who take the sword shall perish by the sword” (Mt 26:52) and His explicit ruling out of violence, even in self-defence (Mt 5:39). These ideals make it very hard for us to justify any militaristic adventures for the expansion of one’s kingdom or ideas, since the basic Christian call is not to be served, but to serve and give one’s life in this service (Mk 10:45).

The thrust of these texts is for the triumph of life over the forces of death. Hebrews concludes that like the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek, Jesus is a priest forever, with a power of life that cannot be destroyed. Jesus makes clear that it is above all a day for life-giving activities. He stresses, indeed, the contrast between “good” deeds that preserve life, and “evil” deeds, that destroy it. For God is the Lord of life, not of death; of peace, not of violence; of justice, not of oppression.

May the Lord stretch out His holy hands to lift us from our misery! Amen!! Good morning and have a great great day!!!