First Reading: Heb 5:7-9
Context. The
origins of this “letter” are shrouded in mystery: we don’t know who wrote it,
who is was intended for, or whether it was even a letter (it may well have been
a homily. Its central theme is the
priesthood of Christ, crucified and exalted: Christ did what Jewish cult could
not do – provide permanent cleansing from sin, through the New Altar of the
Cross. We are called to follow our “forerunner” on his pilgrimage, bringing
us home to heavenly rest. Our extract this week is from the section of
the letter which explores Christ’s priesthood.
Interpretation. This reading is part of the
author’s proof of Christ’s priesthood.
It shows that Jesus met one of the criteria for priesthood: he was a
human, with human weakness. But, he was
not merely human: the reading presents the great reversal, moving from
the days of flesh when he cried to his savior (Gethsemane? Cross?) to his current perfect state when he
is now the cause of our salvation. The
language is deliberate, Jesus offers prayers like a priest offers
sacrifice. He was liberated because of
his reverence (or piety) which is expressed in the fervor of his
supplication. Through this God hears
(the word is the same as for human obedience) and delivers him not from death,
but to transcend death through resurrection and exaltation. Equating learning and suffering was a common
Greek saying (it rhymes in Greek): true learning is always experiential, and
Jesus lived his whole life obedient to being fully human.
Gospel: John 19:25-27
Context. This reading comes from John’s account of the crucifixion. The whole Gospel has been preparing for this
moment of Jesus being “lifted up” for the glory of God, a moment which would
gather the many who had been dispersed, draw them into the love between the
Father and Son, and give them the Spirit as their companion. Of the five vignettes John presents at the
cross, this is the central one. The
story doesn’t linger here, however, but presses forward towards the
resurrection.
Interpretation. Mary was the first in the gospel to commit
herself to Jesus’ word (at Cana, when, as here, Jesus addresses her as “woman”). Both mother and disciple obey Jesus’ final
command. They receive each other not
just “from that time” but “because of that hour,” the hour of Jesus’ being
lifted up. The crucifixion bears fruit
even before Jesus’ death: the world which did not receive the Word now
witnesses two people receive each other out of love for Christ. A new family is born, a family we too will be
invited into, with Mary as our mother too.
Questions
1.
What do you think of when you hear the words “reverence”
or “piety”? The Greek word could also be
translated “god-fearing-ness.” How do
loud cries compare with what we think of?
2.
How can we help people learn from their trials
and not despair? We also need to avoid
making God out to be a torturer.
3.
What place does Mary and her motherhood have in
your spirituality? How about the Church
as mother?
4.
Is the Church a place where we feel “received”? Welcome?
5.
How does the cross create family?
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