Daily Reflection for Friday January 22, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/012221.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13
Responsorial: Psalm 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Hebrews 8:10
These words bring me such comfort. I chose the First Reading today, because after much reflection and review of the Gospel, my spirit was anxious in search of a theme from which to write. I love the story in Mark’s Gospel of how Jesus went up a mountain and gathered His chosen ones around Him and from those named His apostles. The way Mark presents this gospel is unique and fascinating to read. From it I did walk away with a sense of the apostles as individuals and sons, husbands, and brothers. as well as followers of Jesus and the founders of our Church.
The concept of covenant is special and sacred. Knowing that our Heavenly Father wants to have a covenant relationship with us is encouraging and supportive. In these verses from Hebrews, I hear in a new way God telling us that the coming of Jesus to earth signifies a new beginning. The old covenant was sufficient for helping God’s people leave Egypt and slavery, but in the new covenant He promises to write on the hearts of His people and have a place in their minds. He saw how the old covenant came to be ignored and He wanted more for us and more with us.
So, this brings me to this verse “I will be their God and they shall be my people.” In a time in our world where so many seem to be looking for the answer or seeking for some truth in their life, this verse leaps off the page for me and gives me hope and joy. Knowing that I have a God who wants me in His life is such a gift. It feels like a warm embrace or like cuddling up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book on a dreary day. A sense of security and peace envelope me. A calm and reassuring mood surrounds my daily walk. I have a God. He has me. Really, if I think about it, for what more would I ask?
Won’t you turn with me and look to the face of a God who calls us to be His people?
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan