Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Heb. 12:18-19, 21-24 | Ps. 48:2-4, 9-11 | Mk. 6:7-13
The first reading is telling the Hebrews that they have come to the city of the living God through the blood of Jesus who was sacrificed and is the mediator of the New Covenant. This stands in contrast to the times of past history when the Jews worshiped a God whom they could not see. Jesus, this living God, this living mediator, sends the disciples out two by two to preach and to bring the Good News to all, to cure, and to heal. The apostles did so; and, because they believed in the power of Jesus, they were able to go out and preach that living, breathing Word to all in order to bring about healing.
We might not see Jesus personally, but we walk in His path. We have been touched through the descendants of the apostles, our families, and through the ministry of others. They have shown us the living God; and, we have the Eucharist and other Sacraments which bring us closer to God. If we open our eyes, ears, and hearts, we will see the Words of the living God taking place each day of our lives. Take time today to recognize all the ways in which God is present to you. Give thanks for these wonderful deeds and respond by bringing Christ to others.