Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 8:6-13; Mark 3:13-19)
Valerie Plame Wilson’s career as a CIA agent came to sudden end a few years ago when a newspaper columnist revealed her identity. Indeed, her life was put in jeopardy when it was reported that she was gathering information on Iraq’s nuclear weapons’ program. We can see Jesus in the gospel in a parallel way. He tries to conceal his full identity so that he might keep his mission on track.
Jesus hushes the unclean spirits who want to proclaim him as “Son of God” because the world does not understand who God is. People see God as one to be worshipped and to be paid lip service. Like those who sing in church on Sunday and take bribes on Monday, they do not understand that God’s way is to sacrifice Himself in love. This lesson hits home in Jesus’ death on the cross although it has never been appreciated by all.
Today many want to identify themselves with Jesus but refuse to follow his ways. They call themselves Catholics if asked and perhaps go to Mass on Christmas but are unwilling to make the sacrifices which the gospel demands. We hope that these people may find in our behavior the joy that emanates from sacrificial love and may expend more effort in following Jesus.
