The Holy Gospel according to Mark (12:35-37).
As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.’ David himself calls him ‘lord’; so how is he his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight.
Reflection: Have you ever seen a political debate on TV? The two candidates give their argument for a particular issue. If the candidate you favored gave a better argument, you would probably applaud and show your approval somehow. When the great crowd heard Jesus give this teaching, they heard this with delight. Jesus “showed up” the scribes with his teachings. The crowd was delighted because they were not fans of the scribes. Jesus was telling them the truth about who he was, and they were delighted. The Gospels of the past few days have all been about truth in one way or another. The truth, as Jesus once said, will make us free. In today’s Gospel, we see another effect of the truth, it brings us joy.
Jesus is more than the son of David. The arguments throughout the gospel about the identity of Jesus may not help or nourish prayer too much. Suffice from this passage to express our faith in prayer that Jesus is Lord, the beloved son ‘in whom the Father was well pleased.’ He is Son of God, human and divine.
Today is also the optional memorial of St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church. St. Ephrem was a 4th century Syrian deacon recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his prolific works of theology, scriptural commentary, and apologetics. For all his scholarship, St. Ephrem’s greatest impact was probably the over four hundred catechetical and devotional hymns he wrote to console, encourage, and teach his fellow Christians.
Action for the Day: The crowd in the temple listened to Jesus with delight. May we spend some quiet time in prayer with Jesus and allow him to speak to us. Lord, may we listen to you in this way. May your words nourish us and may we relish your truth. May your truth bring us joy.
Audio Reflection:
Great reflection. The picture is wonderful and tell us that The light of God shines everywhere and for every creature in the world.
Thank you.