Mark 3:7-12

Hebrews 7:25-8:6

Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

Mark 3:7-12

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.

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,

so that they would not crush him.

He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases

were pressing upon him to touch him.

And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him

and shout, “You are the Son of God.”

He warned them sternly not to make him known.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you will to make your people into a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Grant me the grace to know how to exercise my baptismal priesthood and sanctify my day through prayer and self-offering.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Jesus Withdrew: When the Pharisees and the Herodians took counsel with each other to plot Jesus’ death, Jesus responded by withdrawing toward the sea. Jesus only did what was good and, for this, he was persecuted. In contrast to the religious authorities, the people of Galilee, Judea, and the surrounding regions seek after Jesus. They were not offended that he cured on the Sabbath or associated with sinners. They wanted to be healed in body and soul. Jesus was careful not to let the crowds get carried away and entertain and promote a false understanding of his royal messiahship. Jesus silenced the demons he exorcised. There would come a time to bring his disciples and followers into a deeper and truer understanding of his identity and destiny. This will happen especially on the way to Jerusalem when Jesus identifies himself as the Son of Man destined to be crucified in Jerusalem and rise on the third day. To be one of Jesus’ disciples means taking up our Cross each day, following in Jesus’ footsteps, and sharing in his life, death, and resurrection.

2. Jesus’ One Sacrifice: The Letter to the Hebrews draws out a contrast between the Levitical priests and Jesus, our High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests, who are guilty of and stained by sin, Jesus is holy, innocent, undefiled, and separated from sinners. Unlike the Levitical priests, who are bound to earth, Jesus is higher than the heavens. The letter speaks about two sacrifices the priests offered. The first reference is to the perpetual sacrifice (the tamid), which was offered in the morning and in the evening. Twice a day the Levitical priests would offer a lamb as a burnt offering and flour and wine (see Exodus 29:38-42). The second reference is to the sacrifice on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Once a year the high priest would offer a bull in sacrifice for his own sins and a goat for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:11-19). In contrast to these continually repeated sacrifices, Jesus atoned for sin once for all. Jesus’ one sacrifice is absolutely complete, all-sufficient, and eternally efficacious, needing no repetition. 

3. Our High Priest Intercedes for Us: The Letter to the Hebrews highlights how the Levitical priests were appointed by the Law of Moses. Jesus, by contrast, was appointed as the eternal high priest by a divine oath: “The Lord has sworn and he will not waver, ‘You are a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4). Jesus is the Son of God “who has been made perfect forever.” The phrase, “be made perfect,” is a veiled reference to Jesus’ priestly ordination. Having offered himself in sacrifice and having mediated a new and better covenant, the priestly ministry of Jesus in heaven consists of interceding for us at the Father’s right hand.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you are my teacher and I am your disciple. I want to conform my life, sentiments, and thoughts to you. Help me to give of myself to others without reserve, to be compassionate toward the poor and sinners, and to see all things in the light of eternity.

Living the Word of God: How can I imitate Jesus, our High Priest, and intercede for others? What does my spouse need? What do my children and their spouses need? Can I bring up each person by name in prayer, commend them to God, and ask for an increase in holiness, faith, grace, charity, and hope?