Dear brothers and sisters, in today’s readings at Holy Mass, we encounter the beautiful mystery of Jesus' humanity as it is united with the sovereign authority of His divinity. In the readings from Hebrews and Mark, we find ourselves confronted with two dimensions of our faith that may at first appear contradictory but, when explored together, reveal the deep love and purpose God has for humanity.
In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author speaks eloquently about the dual nature of Christ: fully human and fully divine. We are reminded of our inherent dignity as God's creation—a dignity that elevates us to near-angelic status. The psalm beautifully articulates this truth, asking, "What are humans that you are mindful of them?" We may feel small in the vastness of the universe, yet God chooses to crown us with glory and honor, entrusting us with stewardship over creation.
This mystery is embodied in Jesus, who took on human flesh to become our "brother." What an astounding statement that is! The God of the universe, who could command legions of angels and is adored and worshipped by them night and day, chooses to become one with us, sharing in our struggles and suffering. In His role as the "pioneer of our salvation," Jesus did not shy away from pain; rather, in his peak years of his early 30s, He was made "perfect through suffering." Here lies the crux of our faith: that through His own suffering and eventual glory, Jesus opens the pathway for all of us to experience divine redemption, and for this he offered the Father his very best and utmost expressions of his love. How grateful ought we to be to our tender, kind and generous Lord?
The early Christians, facing persecution, found hope in this message. They were reminded that while they might not yet see the fullness of God's kingdom, Christ was already receiving glory even through the very trials they faced. Today, we too live in a world where suffering often seems like a punishment, where we question God's presence in our pain. Yet, as the Hebrews letter suggests, and as Jesus' life exemplifies, it is often in those very trials that we encounter grace and a deepened relationship with the Lord.
This notion is mirrored in the Gospel according to Mark, where we witness Jesus teaching in the synagogue with a liberating authority that astounds His listeners. Unlike the scribes who merely interpret the Scriptures, Jesus speaks with the authority of truth itself. People are captivated not just by His words but by the freedom and healing they bring. He is confronted by an "unclean spirit," which recognizes Him as the "Holy One of God." Yet, Jesus does not engage the spirit in dialogue; instead, with authority, He commands it to leave.
This dual act of teaching and healing reveals to us the all-encompassing nature of Jesus' mission—He does not shy away from the messiness of human existence. Instead, He steps right into it, bringing healing and freedom.
We can ask ourselves: Do we submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus? Are we willing to allow His truth to penetrate our lives and to set us free?
And let us remember that our Blessed Mother is also with us, always pointing to Jesus as the key to our freedom, joy, and strength. Through her intercession, may you be blessed this day as you continue to embrace, more and more, Jesus’ offer to set you free. Amen.
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