Greetings on this the Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Heb 7:25—8:6; PS 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17; Mk 3:7-12
Notes: We continue with the theme of meeting Jesus.
Jesus is a Judean by birth and lineage.
Because he [Joseph] had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth. Nazareth was a Judean enclave in the region of Galilee. He was both Galilean and Judean, if you will allow.
Jesus was also acquainted with the Jewish diaspora in the Egyptian-Libyan area.
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Later in Jesus’ life we see relations and others who knew Jesus from his days in Egypt.
One can surmise that Jesus was both well acquainted with the ways of both communities: the elite of Judea and the poor of Galilee. Jesus was familiar with the Egyptian branch of the people as well.
Joseph a carpenter was an honest, hardworking lower level of the economic class. Joseph no doubt did business with every level of economic and social class. Jesus would also be exposed to the upper and well-educated classes of society. Jesus was instantly identifiable by so many in the Jewish society.
He was also identifiable by the nations in his simplicity and knowledge. For background on Joseph of Arimathea. See: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/01/06/mission-accomplished/
Given the things Jesus was doing and saying is it any wonder that:
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people [followed] from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
- Tyre and Sidon – North and West of Israel.
- Galilee – top.
- Judea – middle.
- Jerusalem – Center of Jewish life.
- Idumea – south of Judea.
- Beyond the Jordan – East and South of the Jordan.
From all points of the compass.
They heard what he was doing in the synagogue of Capernaum.
The mystery of Jesus was being revealed in the beginning of the Galilean ministry (Following the Gospel of Mark flow).
- The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
- The Cure of a Demoniac.
- The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law.
- The Sabbath (mercy).
- Other Healings.
- The Cleansing of a Leper.
- The Healing of a Paralytic.
- A Man with a Withered Hand.
- And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.
Those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.
So like yesterday’s homily – Stretch Out Your Hand!
And today I say – Press yourself into Jesus!!
First reading
Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
He [Jesus] is mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises.
Responsorial Psalm
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Alleluia Verse
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel Portion
Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him.
Come!
Stretch yourself!
Come!
Press yourself into Jesus!
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 