Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
In our first reading, we hear about how Jesus fulfills the ancient requirement for a priest to offer sacrifice on behalf of all the people, to appease God’s requirement for a payment for sins. We see in this reading that the Christian way of seeing salvation is similar to the ancient way; the main difference is that the New Covenant in Jesus is a much better deal for us. God’s promises are better. Instead of the people paying, Jesus has already paid. To the mind of the Hebrew people this letter was originally addressing, this is very good news indeed! Everything they were ever taught about how the universe works is still true, but our great benefactor, Jesus, has made all the arrangements and taken care of us. All we have to do is say yes, and do God’s will, as today’s psalm proclaims.
The best deals attract people. Have you ever gone to a store long before it opens, to be one of the first people and get the best price, free samples, or the hottest new gadget? People can crowd around dangerously. Jesus is that Better Deal. We see he is attracting people from all over! In a time where the only transportation for most people was on foot, we have people coming from towns 20 miles away, or a full day’s walk. That’s the same travel time as someone driving to Dayton from Washington DC or even New York City. And word of Jesus’s healing power was spreading without media; it was all word of mouth. The Healing Power of Jesus was evident.
Have you experienced the Good Deal that Jesus is? Have you experienced the free gift of healing love? Take time to recall the story of what Jesus has done for you. Maybe share it with someone. Spread by word-of-mouth the greatest deal we will get: hope, healing, and purpose today, and in eternity. Thanks be to God for the great deal we have in Jesus!
- Chris Nieport