HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Homily for Monday of the 2nd week in ordinary time

Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark2:18-22

The first reading tells us convincingly that Jesus Christ with his whole life and sacrifice on the cross fulfilled all that was written in the messianic tradition of divine revelation. 

He brought to fulfilment the ritual service of the priests of the Old Covenant. Hence, in him is is the fulfilment of God's eternal design for the institution of the priesthood in the history of the Covenant. It says that Jesus Christ is priest "having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb 5:10). Through the liturgy, which is an exercise of the priestly office of Christ, the Church continues to ceaselessly interceed for the salvation of the whole world.

The letter to the Hebrew says: " Every high priest chosen from among the mortals is put incharge of things partaining to God... to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins (Heb 5:1). Thus, for every priest, the appointment comes from God. "For no one takes this honour upon himself, but is called as Aaron was" (Heb 5:4). It speaks of priesthood as an honour. Indeed it is a spiritual honour.

Friends in Christ, priesthood is a grace of God. It is a pure gift, a free choice of God. We cannot speak of the right of the women to the ordained ministry. In the Gospel of Mark, it says: "Jesus went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed twelve whom he named apostles to be with him and to be sent out to proclaim... (Mk 3:13-15). In John, he said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" (JN 15:16).

Beloved in Christ, only a wounded physician can make the best healer. It says: "He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for the people" (Heb 5:23).

The letter to the Hebrew maintained: " Jesus having been made perfect...became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Heb 5:9). Friends in Christ, if we obey the commands of Jesus, we shall attain salvation. 

The Gospel reading tells us: "People came and said to Jesus, why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" (Mk 2:18). Jesus responds: "The wedding guest cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them" (Mk 2:19). 

Beloved in Christ, Jesus did not condemn the fasting observed by the Pharisees and the disciples of John rather he reminds us that his presence is the joy of Christian life. A Christian who has not allowed Christ to enter his soul is like a dry land without water. When Christ enters our soul we cannot be sad but joyful.

Children of God, let us be instruments that radiate the joy of the bridegroom, Christ Jesus: joy of service, joy of doing good, joy of peace, joy of eternal happiness, etc. 

May the joy of the Lord be our strenght

Remain blessed

Fr Remi osj