Daily Retreat 02/07/09
2009 Feb 7 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM
Heb 13: 15-17. 20-21/ Ps 22(23): 1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6/ Mk 6: 30-34
From today’s readings: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have - God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind!... The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.... Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while....”
Synopsis of the Synthesis
For almost a month, the weekday first readings have followed the Epistle to the Hebrews, a book which, in a way, could be taken as a summary of the whole Bible, a brilliant synthesis of the thematic theological insights from both the Old and the New Testaments.
Few people would mention Hebrews as their favorite part of the Bible, but perhaps that’s precisely because this book is so profound and demanding! It presumes the reader wants to go beyond a friendly basic “Introduction to Jesus” in order to explore with the eyes of faith the bigger picture of God’s eternal plan of salvation as revealed in His Son.
The most polished Greek of the New Testament is found in this epistle, as well as the most developed argumentation and exposition of Christ as the center and summit of all human history. Clearly, it was meant to be read slowly and reflectively, for a cursory overview would likely only lead to confusion or even frustration.
Am I discouraging you from opening your Bible to the Letter to the Hebrews? No! In fact, I’m really hoping that your will take the time to re-read the entire epistle over the next few days, and carefully note now what a wonderful synthesis this letter is, explaining the Old Testament as the preparation for Christ, He who is the fulfillment, the great high priest, our one mediator between God and man, the sacrifice to end all sacrifices, the One who is the definitive revelation of God - Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Heb 13: 15-17. 20-21/ Ps 22(23): 1-3a. 3b-4. 5. 6/ Mk 6: 30-34
From today’s readings: “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have - God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind!... The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.... Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while....”
Synopsis of the Synthesis
For almost a month, the weekday first readings have followed the Epistle to the Hebrews, a book which, in a way, could be taken as a summary of the whole Bible, a brilliant synthesis of the thematic theological insights from both the Old and the New Testaments.
Few people would mention Hebrews as their favorite part of the Bible, but perhaps that’s precisely because this book is so profound and demanding! It presumes the reader wants to go beyond a friendly basic “Introduction to Jesus” in order to explore with the eyes of faith the bigger picture of God’s eternal plan of salvation as revealed in His Son.
The most polished Greek of the New Testament is found in this epistle, as well as the most developed argumentation and exposition of Christ as the center and summit of all human history. Clearly, it was meant to be read slowly and reflectively, for a cursory overview would likely only lead to confusion or even frustration.
Am I discouraging you from opening your Bible to the Letter to the Hebrews? No! In fact, I’m really hoping that your will take the time to re-read the entire epistle over the next few days, and carefully note now what a wonderful synthesis this letter is, explaining the Old Testament as the preparation for Christ, He who is the fulfillment, the great high priest, our one mediator between God and man, the sacrifice to end all sacrifices, the One who is the definitive revelation of God - Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!
posted by FrPitstick | 2/06/2009
<< Home