Greetings on this the Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 2:5-12; Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Mark 1:21-28
Summary
What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man that you care for him?
Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers” saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.
A man with an unclean spirit; he cried out… Have you come to destroy us?
He Came to Rescue Us
In our sacred readings today, we find ourselves with the two distinct perspectives.
The Psalmist
The Psalmist (quoted by the Letter to the Hebrews) filled with awe on how the LORD considers us and has concern for us. The letter goes on to express the wonder of the incarnation, with its intimate humanity and the he is not ashamed to call us “brothers” and “sisters”. We are both beautiful and family to the Lord. Even in our weaknesses.
The Demon – spirit’s resistance to the holiness of God
The demon has power and influence, rejecting even what he cannot resist, The Holy One of God. Jesus has come to take away such powers and influence.
Have you come to destroy us?
Personal Reflection
Jesus, our brother, friend and savior, has come not to destroy but to disarm the resistance to holiness that the love of God is not obscured by our vainglory.
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011425.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry