http://www.easterbrooks.com/cgi-bin/Cathcal.cgi?20050115

First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 15
Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16

12

Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

13

No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

14

¹ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.

16

So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Table of Contents Hebrews 4

Footnotes

¹ [14-16] These verses, which return to the theme first sounded in Hebrews 2:16-3:1, serve as an introduction to the section that follows. The author here alone calls Jesus a great high priest (Hebrews 4:14), a designation used by Philo for the Logos; perhaps he does so in order to emphasize Jesus' superiority over the Jewish high priest. He has been tested in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15); this indicates an acquaintance with the tradition of Jesus' temptations, not only at the beginning (as in Mark 1:13) but throughout his public life (cf Luke 22:28). Although the reign of the exalted Jesus is a theme that occurs elsewhere in Hebrews, and Jesus' throne is mentioned in Hebrews 1:8, the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) refers to the throne of God. The similarity of Hebrews 4:16 to Hebrews 10:19-22 indicates that the author is thinking of our confident access to God, made possible by the priestly work of Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 15

7

From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat.

8

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

9

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye.

14

But from willful sins keep your servant; let them never control me. Then shall I be blameless, innocent of grave sin.

Table of Contents Psalms 19

Footnotes

Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

13

¹ Once again he went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them.

14

As he passed by, ² he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.

15

While he was at table in his house, ³ many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.

16

⁴ Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

17

Jesus heard this and said to them (that), "Those who are well do not need a physician, ⁵ but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Table of Contents Mark 2

Footnotes

¹ [13] He taught them: see the note on Mark 1:21-45.

² [14] As he passed by: see the note on Mark 1:16-20. Levi, son of Alphaeus: see the note on Matthew 9:9. Customs post: such tax collectors paid a fixed sum for the right to collect customs duties within their districts. Since whatever they could collect above this amount constituted their profit, the abuse of extortion was widespread among them. Hence, Jewish customs officials were regarded as sinners (Mark 2:16), outcasts of society, and disgraced along with their families. He got up and followed him: i.e., became a disciple of Jesus.

³ [15] In his house: cf Mark 2:1; Matthew 9:10. Luke 5:29 clearly calls it Levi's house.

⁴ [16-17] This and the following conflict stories reflect a similar pattern: a statement of fact, a question of protest, and a reply by Jesus.

⁵ [17] Do not need a physician: this maxim of Jesus with its implied irony was uttered to silence his adversaries who objected that he ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:16). Because the scribes and Pharisees were self-righteous, they were not capable of responding to Jesus' call to repentance and faith in the gospel.