Memorial of Saint, Agnes, virgin and martyr
(Hebrews
7:25-8:6; Mark 3:7-12)
Christians
are accustomed to thinking of Jesus as the “Son of God.” When we say this, we usually have in mind the
concept of the Council of Nicea. In that
epic event Jesus was identified as having both a divine and human nature. He was the Son because of his being eternally
begotten by the Father. The evangelists,
writing 250 before Nicea, were not thinking so philosophically. What did they mean when they called Jesus “the
Son”?
In today’s
gospel Jesus is said to rebuke evil spirits who call him “the Son of God.” It should be remembered that at his Baptism a
voice from heaven calls him, “my beloved Son.”
In the Gospel of Mark these words are directed to Jesus alone. The voice
speaks again at Jesus’ transfiguration, but only the three specially chosen
disciples hear it along with Jesus.
Finally at the crucifixion the Roman centurion says openly, “’Truly this
man was the Son of God!’” Only now, when
Jesus has given his life, could people understand what being “Son of God” means. It is not a nametag for a privileged reception,
but an identification of one who loves like God. As a human, this means the willingness to
give up one’s whole life for the benefit of others.
We too are “son
and daughters of God.” We have joined
ourselves to Jesus who has brought us into his Father’s household. We have been made into those who love with
whole heart and soul. Loving in this way,
we become like St. Agnes, who gave up her life rather than betray God, her
Father.
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