Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 7:1-3.15-17; Mark 3:1-6)

The word tithe originally meant just a tenth part. Today, however, it is considered exclusively as a tenth of what one earns. Pastors like to think of the tithe as the appropriate amount for a church member’s donation.  In the reading from Hebrews today we find a biblical antecedent for that understanding.

The purpose of the passage is not to counsel churchgoers about their offerings.  Rather it establishes Jesus’ foundation as the eternal high priest.  Like the mysterious Melchizedek, Jesus’ origins are eternal.  What is more, as the father of faith Abraham honors the priest Melchizedek so we are to worship Jesus for his sacrifice of self on the cross.  Finally, as the name Melchizedek means “King of Peace” and the person comes and goes amicably, Jesus is called “the Prince of Peace” in the gospels and preaches nonviolence.

We can count on Jesus for everything that is good.  He is wiser than the ages, and his words will guide us to happiness.  More importantly, he not only died to free us from sin, but his resurrection has assured us of an eternal destiny.  More than anything else in life, we should endeavor to be faithful to him.

Wednesday, January 20, 2011

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(Hebrews 7:1-3.15-17; Mark 3:1-6)

The word tithe originally meant just tenth although today we think of it exclusively as a tenth of what one earns. Of course, pastors like to think of the tithe, ten percent of a family’s income, as the appropriate amount for its church donation. In the reading from Hebrews today we find a biblical antecedent for the directive.

It should be noted, first, that the passage does not pretend to counsel churchgoers about their offerings. Rather it tries to establish Jesus’ foundation as the eternal high priest in three ways. First, like the mysterious Melchizedek, his origins have no beginning or end. What is more, as the father of faith Abraham honors the priest Melchizedek with his tithe so Jesus through his death on the cross deserves our confidence. Finally, in the gospels Jesus is called “the Prince of Peace” and preaches nonviolence; likewise, the name Melchizedek means “King of Peace” and the person – a presumably rival king -- comes and goes amicably.

We can count on Jesus. He is as wise as the ages and will never do us harm. But there is much more reason to trust him. He has shown his love for us by dying on the cross. What happened afterwards proves that it was neither a foolish gesture nor an inconsequential sacrifice. In raising Jesus from the dead, the Father has indicated our destiny if we abide by him.