Thursday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 7:25-8:6
Psalm 39(40):7-10,17
Mark 3:7-12
In the Gospel reading from Mark, we observe that, despite Jesus’ withdrawal towards the sea with His disciples, a multitude pursued Him, seeking healing. Their anticipations were met as Jesus proceeded to heal them, underscoring His divine power as well as His compassion and mercy.
This passage serves as a reminder that we can approach Jesus at any time and under any circumstances. While the outcomes may not always align with our desires or expectations, we are invited to cultivate faith that we will receive what is ultimately necessary for our spiritual and physical well-being.
The text raises important considerations regarding expectations. Mark notes that whenever confronted with unclean spirits, they would declare, “You are the Son of God,” to which Jesus would respond with a stern admonition to keep His identity concealed. This pattern of caution is prevalent throughout Mark’s Gospel, prompting inquiry into the rationale behind Jesus’ reticence.
One plausible interpretation is that Jesus sought to manage expectations surrounding His messianic role. In the context of first-century Judea, many held a preconceived notion of the Messiah as a militaristic liberator.
However, Jesus’ salvific mission diverged significantly from such paradigms. Rather than achieving victory through force, He fulfilled His purpose through sacrificial love—as emphasized in the epistle to the Hebrews: “He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself.” This framework suggests that His disciples needed to directly witness His Passion and Resurrection to grasp the true nature of His messianic identity.
Additionally, while the call to pursue justice is clear, it is crucial to emphasize that our primary vocation is to foster healing rather than seek retribution. Engaging in the love of God expressed through Jesus Christ enables us to confront and dismantle evil and oppression in a transformative manner. Therefore, may we diligently commit ourselves to following Jesus in acts of love and mercy.
Fr Joseph Osho
