Hebrews 6: 10-20; Psalm 111; Mark 2: 23-28
Our obedience gives us hope. Hebrews encourages us to “seize the hope that is set before us…a steadfast anchor…a hope that enters the inner shrine…where Jesus, a pioneer on our behalf has entered.” The psalm asserts that God “has commanded a covenant forever.” In the gospel, Jesus shows us that obedience in the new covenant is not rigid, law-bound, but rather free and freeing, a discernment of God’s will—and God always wills health, and in this case, food even on the Sabbath. Because our obedience is not to be blind but discerning, in the Alleluia verse we pray; “May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we might see how great is the hope to which we were called.”
What does hope mean in your daily life? How do you live by hope? What does discernment mean? How do you practice it? Remember a time when you felt the “eyes of your heart” were enlightened as you were making a decision. Jesus gets criticized for breaking the Sabbath law. When has your discerning choice led to criticism? Discuss with Jesus, and tell him what you need and want.
We remember all the people around the world who live without hope. Strengthen them, we beg you, to endure, and strengthen us to work to end their misery, even in some small way.