Daily Bible Readings -January 23,2013

1^ST READING

 

Melchizedek, the mysterious acquaintance of Abraham, is probably better understood by the literal meaning of his name than by anything he actually does. After all, the name of a person means an enormous amount for the Jews in terms of the identity of that person. His name literally means, “My king is righteous.” Thus, we have to reflect on what this means in terms of the Scriptures’ mention of his person. It suggests that his name points to the fact that he represents to us the perfect disciple or follower of God, i.e., whose life always reflects what his name means.

 

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17

1 Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, “met Abraham as he returned from his defeat of the kings” and “blessed him.” 2 And Abraham apportioned to him “a tenth of everything.” His name first means righteous king, and he was also “king of Salem,” that is, king of peace. 3 Without father, mother, or ancestry, without beginning of days or end of life, thus made to resemble the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. 15 It is even more obvious if another priest is raised up after the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become so, not by a law expressed in a commandment concerning physical descent but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. 17 For it is testified: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 110: 1, 2, 3, 4

R: You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies your footstool.” (R) 2 The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from Zion. “Rule in the midst of your enemies. (R) 3 Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the day star, like the dew, I have begotten you.” (R) 4 The Lord has worn,

and he will not repent: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Again, Jesus focuses on the purpose of the Sabbath law. His challenge is far more pointed than that of yesterday’s Gospel. He is implicitly challenging those who implement the law to look at whether they are doing good or bad when they do so. Jesus’ actions do not endear Him with the religious authorities of His time. We see the beginnings of a move against what He says and does. This undercurrent of rejection will eventually culminate in His death.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Mark 3:1-6

1 Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” 4 Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. 5 Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

think:  May we, like Melchizedek, always reflect the righteousness of our King.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ___________________________

 

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God’s special verse/thought for me today_________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Luke 7-9