Holy Gospel. Wednesday, January 14. Letter to the Hebrews - TopicsExpress

Holy Gospel. Wednesday, January 14. Letter to the Hebrews 2:14-18. Since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Psalms 105(104):1-2.3-4.6-7.8-9. Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations. Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 1:29-39. On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simons mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, Everyone is looking for you. He told them, Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come. So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. Commentary of the day Saint Peter Chrysologus (c.406-450), Bishop of Ravenna, Doctor of the Church Sermon 18, 1-3 ; CCL 24,107-108 (trans. ©Friends of Henry Ashworth) Jesus approached and grasped her hand Those who have listened attentively to todays gospel will have learnt why the Lord of heaven, by whom all creation was renewed, entered the house of his servant on earth. Nor should it surprise us that he so courteously adapted himself to every situation, since his motive in coming among us was to bring mercy and help to all. “As soon as Jesus crossed the threshold, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying ill in bed with a fever” (Mt 8,14). You can easily see what drew Christ to Peters house on this particular occasion; it was no desire to sit down and rest himself, but compassion for a woman stricken down by sickness. He was prompted not by the need to eat but by the opportunity to heal, his immediate preoccupation being the performance of a work which only his divine power could carry out, rather than the enjoyment of human company at table. In Peters house that day it was not wine that flowed, but tears… Consequently Christ did not enter to obtain sustenance for himself, but to restore vitality to another. God wants human beings, not human goods. He desires to bestow what is heavenly not to acquire anything earthly. Christ came to seek not our possessions but ourselves.