Wednesday of the
First Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 2:14-18; Mark 1:29-39)
Theologians often think of suffering as a test. In this way they avoid liking God to a harsh judge
much less to a capricious ogre. If God
tests humans through suffering, He arouses their natural desire to do
well. Eternal life then becomes a prize for
which humans are proved worthy. The
gifted theologian who composed the Letter to the Hebrews certainly considered
suffering in this way.
What is truly remarkable about the Letter to the Hebrews,
however, is its balanced way of seeing Christ.
He is both human and divine who comes to help his siblings in need. He realizes that some will struggle mightily
to endure suffering. So he prays his Father God will show them mercy.
We also should consider Jesus as one of us. He knows our pain and is ready to respond to
our call for help. We need to follow his
example so that we never forget that he loves us.
