Feast of St. Vincent
Readings: Heb. 9:2-3, 11-14 | Ps. 47:2-3, 6-9 | Mk. 3:20-21
The first reading continues to relate how Jesus is the High Priest, replacing all the High Priests before Him. As the High Priest brought about the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifices of animals, etc., and sprinkling their blood around the altar, so much more did Jesus do through the sacrifice of Himself and the spilling of his own blood for us. Thus, there is no need for other High Priests. Christ is the High Priest who won forgiveness for our sins through His death on the Cross and through His Resurrection. The Gospel shows how Jesus, despite all the good He has done, is rejected by His own relatives who say “He has gone out of His mind.”
Jesus continued to bring the “Good News” to all people. Some heard Him and responded with great love while others rejected Him because He was too much for them.
With whom do you stand: with those who accept Christ or those who are afraid to do so because they are influenced by what the crowd will say or do ? Take time to pray with Christ in His suffering. Allow yourself to see Christ shedding His blood. Ask Christ to give you the courage to respond positively to His call. Then decide how you will bring this love of Christ to others.