Ordinary Weekday/ Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Vincent of Saragossa, deacon, Martyr/ Marianne Cope, Virgin
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b
Gospel: Mark 3: 20-21
First Reading: Hebrews 9: 2-3, 11-14
2 For there was a tabernacle made the first, wherein were the candlesticks, and the table, and the setting forth of loaves, which is called the holy.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle, which is called the holy of holies:
11 But Christ, being come an high priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hand, that is, not of this creation:
12 Neither by the blood of goats, or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the holies, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of goats and of oxen, and the ashes of an heifer being sprinkled, sanctify such as are defiled, to the cleansing of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9
R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
2 O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of Joy,
3 For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the earth.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
6 God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.
7 Sing praises to our God, sing ye: sing praises to our king, sing ye.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
8 For God is the king of all the earth: sing ye wisely.
9 God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on his holy throne.
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Alleluia: Acts 16: 14b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
14b Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3: 20-21
20 And they come to a house, and the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21 And when his friends had heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him. For they said: He is become mad.
Reflection
Christ’s holiness is revealed in a way the world may fail to recognize. The sacred places of the old covenant pointed toward something greater: Jesus, the true High Priest, enters the heavenly sanctuary through the offering of his own blood. His sacrifice is complete, bringing eternal redemption and cleansing the conscience so that we can serve the living God. The greatness of Christ is therefore inseparable from his self-giving love.
In the Gospel, even those close to Jesus hear what is happening and conclude that he has lost his mind. Their judgment shows how easily the work of God can appear unreasonable when measured by ordinary expectations. Yet the One whom people misunderstand is the King whom the psalm acclaims, enthroned above every nation. The Alleluia gives us the proper response: an open heart that listens to the words of the Son. Christ does not ask us to admire him from a distance. He cleanses us for service. When his way of sacrificial love seems foolish or costly, we can still trust that it leads into the presence of the living God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, true High Priest and King, cleanse my conscience by the gift of your self-offering. Open my heart to listen to your word, especially when your way is difficult to understand or is judged foolish by others. Free me from dead works and from the desire to live only by human approval. Teach me to serve the living God with a sincere spirit, trusting the power of your mercy. Reign in my thoughts, choices, and relationships, so that my life may give quiet witness to your redeeming love. Amen.
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