“(Jesus) ‘for a little while’ was made ‘lower than the angels’” (Hebrews 2:9)
Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 3, 2021): GN 2:18-24; PS 128:1-2,3,4-5,6; HEB 2:9-11; MK 10:2-16
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Jesus loves us, His brothers and sisters. He knows our struggles and is always with us, if only we turn to Him.
In the readings for this Sunday we hear about the nature of marriage, as well as God’s love and respect for women and children. We also learn about the close relationship Christ wants with all His followers. The Letter to the Hebrews was addressed to early Jewish converts to Christianity. In this particular excerpt, there is concern that those to whom this letter was sent were falling away from their original embrace of Jesus as their Savior – and the Savior of the world. So we are told that Christ, who is both divine and human, understands us and loves us. He did not only come to teach us about Himself, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, through words and miracles. He suffered and died and gave Himself completely so that we can have life eternal. “It is fitting that He, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, He is not ashamed to call them ‘brothers’” (Hebrews 2:10-11). Jesus loves us, His brothers and sisters. He knows our struggles and is always with us, if only we turn to Him. Instead of being discouraged in trying times, we need to rely on Him and make a sincere effort to share our faith with those we meet, with everyone everywhere. Our Redeemer came for us all – brothers and sisters of every generation and every nation.
Later this month, we will celebrate World Mission Sunday. In anticipation of that day, Pope Francis has shared a message that includes these thoughts: “Everything we have received form the Lord is meant to be put to good use and freely shared with others. … As Christians, we cannot keep the Lord to ourselves: the Church’s evangelizing mission finds outward fulfillment in the transformation of our world and in the care of creation.”
Suggested missionary action: Let us do something to draw away from any lukewarm attitude we may have in our relationship with Christ. Instead, we can make a greater effort to show others our trust in the Lord and our concern for their welfare, through caring, respectful and generous service.
