Friday 22nd January 2021. Read Hebrews 8:6-10, Psalm 85, Mark 3:13-19
“And he appointed twelve, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach.” (Mark 3:14)
The book of Hebrews reads: “Behold the days are coming says the Lord when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel… I will put my laws into their heart and write it upon their minds. I will be their God and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another anymore. I will forgive their evil doing and remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:8-12)
This promise of God was fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. You and I are the New Israel. God has put His laws into our hearts and there is really no need for constant teaching anymore because deep down with each of us, we know what is right and what is wrong.
Unfortunately, even though we know what is right, we seem to prefer what is wrong. We are more frightened by our light than our darkness. Today, God is inviting us to return to him with the assurance that he would forgive our sins and remember our past no more. This was exactly God’s promise in the book of Ezekiel:
“But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ezekiel 18:21-23)
In today’s Gospel passage, we see Jesus appointing twelve men who would be his close associates and personal students. They were to be with him and assist in spreading the message. No matter how powerful Jesus is, he needed people. He knew he couldn’t accomplish the mission all by Himself. The saying goes that “if you want to walk fast, walk alone but if you want to walk far, walk with someone.”
Never assume that you can succeed all by yourself in this life. A single broomstick may be so strong and powerful but without the rest of the bunch, it cannot sweep out the dirt in the house. In coming to save mankind, Jesus needed to be born like us – he needed to take our human flesh. Today, Jesus still needs our human flesh to continue His work of salvation. Jesus wants to make use of your hands, your time, your talents, your unique gifts. He wants you to be his disciple. Jesus wants to work through you.
Let us pray: God our Father, you have written your law in our hearts, give us courage to incarnate you in our world by doing what is right always. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 8:6-10, Psalm 85, Mark 3:13-19).
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