1st Reading, Hebrews 1: vs1-4, Brothers and sisters: In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through the Son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe: Who is the refulgence (radiance) of his glory, the very imprint of His being, and who sustains all things by His mighty word.
When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
**God Speaks!! In my simplistic & curious way, it still amazes me that God has spoken through an incredible variety of people in the ancient past. God used prophets, kings and pagan kings. But I wonder if the regular folks ‘felt’ like the Lord was communicating with them?? Eventually in the days of old God has to send Jesus (picture God throwing up his arms😊). Now, God speaks to all of us through Jesus. All that God asked of all of us down through the ages was “Listen to Him”! Listening to Jesus should help all of us to believe, to be assured that, God speaks to us!
Verse 5-6, For to which of the angels did God ever say: You are my Son; this day I have begotten you? Or again: I will be a father to Him, and He shall be a Son to me? And again, when He leads the first born into the world, He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him.
I found out that in the days, of the year, -1-, Jewish folks believed that the angels did all of God’s bidding, the ‘grunt’ work, both good and not. So, it’s my thought, that as Paul would have known this when he wrote to the Hebrews, he would’ve had to be specifically sure to make that point crystal clear… Jesus is ‘not’ an angel. Jesus is LORD! Jesus is God, the Son! Jesus Speaks!! I believe that Jesus speaks to me, personally, through Eucharist. Jesus is my Lord and my guide!
Psalm 97:1 & 2b, 6 – 9, Let all his angels worship him.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. **Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
**The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. Let all his angels worship him. Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, exalted far above all gods.
**Wow, I am hard-pressed to add anything to this Psalm. So, I won’t. REJOICE All You Peoples, Rejoice!
Gospel, Mark 1:14-20, After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So, they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
**I’m sorry, but I always felt bad for poor Zebedee. There he is, mending his nets, and minding his own business, and Jesus comes along and drains him of his 2 best workers, and the future of his company. What’s up with that? Zebedee would be well within his rights to shout “Hey! What did I do?”😊. Here we find Jesus beginning to put His ‘team’ together. It’s an offensive side of football with a backup quarterback or possibly a rowing team in the Olympics. With these guys, eventually, you won’t be able to find one without the others. Twelve Apostles to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Not to sound like a sports bookie, but It’s a numbers game. The Old Testament is loaded with sets of similar numbers. It’s very interesting to find out about. Another twelve is the gates on the temple of the “New Jerusalem” in the book of Revelations. Our God is nothing if not consistently, constantly ordered!
Please have fun this week remembering how God has spoken to and through so many people. Maybe, next time will be your turn.?! Shalom, Mark
