In God's Presence

 

Reflection on Today's Reading, Thursday, 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1, February 4th, 2021

Texts: Heb. 12:18-19.21-24; Ps. 48:2-4,8-11; Mark 6:7-13

Today's first reading reminds us that Jesus has gained for us a new and unique access to God, communion with heavenly beings, and a new dignity. The sight of God in Jesus Christ is not terrifying and scarring like that of the Old the testament; it is that of a loving encounter and relationship. In Jesus Christ, God no longer come to us in blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of strumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers entreat that no messages be spoken to them." Those circumstances that make man afraid of hearing God's words are removed by Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ we are no longer afraid to enter God's presence. In Jesus Christ the terrifying image of God is removed; that which kept man far from God is removed so that we have direct access into God's presence. The reading says, "But you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem". This is unlike the people of old who were earthly minded and focus on such things like fire, darkness, gloom, tempest, etc. Our worship in Jesus Christ is the foretaste of God's presence and heavenly glory; our minds are set on heaven, not earth. The worship in Jesus Christ is a communion with God Himself. In Jesus Christ we see God and we no longer die but live and gain eternal life.

The worship in Jesus Christ is a communion with the angels. In our worship we also come to innumerable angels in festal gathering. Having communion with the angels means that we praise and worship God with them; we are introduced to what we shall do forever in heaven. The communion with the angels also means that we enjoy them protective loving care of the angels.

We are also reminded that Jesus has gained for us all the dignity and position of firstborn. This reminds us that before God there is no favourite, we are all equal and have the same inheritance in Jesus Christ. It also reminds us of our communion with other brothers and sisters, for it tells us that we come to the assembly  of the firstborn who are the citizens of heaven. This communion is the communion of pilgrims. This means we need the encouragement of other brothers and sisters in our journey to heaven. We need to help one another and listen to one another.

The reading also reminds us of our communion with the saints, for it tells us that we come to the spirits of just men made perfect. This means we enjoy the intercession and help of the saints in Jesus Christ. This communion manifests in the impact of their examples on our lives and in their intercession and help from heaven. 

We are also reminded of the mercy and grace we enjoy in Jesus Christ. In our worship we also have communion with Jesus Christ. In this communion we enjoy His love and mercy, forgiveness and pardon; for He mediates between God and we, and His blood continues to speak for us. It tells us that the blood of Jesus Christ does not cry for vengeance like that of Abel's, but for mercy. Hence, the response to today's psalm says, "We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple." 

In today's gospel reading, we are reminded that we are sent out to preach the love and mercy of God to people. As we preach the gospel, and animate the world with the spirit of Christ, we are not to rely on ourselves alone; we should trust in His Providence.

Lord Jesus, help us to always be conscious of God's presence in our lives and in world. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke