Today’s Scripture Reflection

Today’s readings have a lot to tell us about what our frame of mind should be when we seek, interact with, or approach God. We learn that our attitude should be one of confidence.

In the first reading, Hebrews 4:12-16, the author’s confidence really comes through as he attempts to instill it in those being addressed: Confidence in the Word of God, in Jesus, in God’s grace. (Paul was traditionally viewed as the author of Hebrews, but modern consensus is that he did not write it, but the author was someone connected to the circle of Paul and his assistants.)

We hear such confidence-building descriptions of the word of God as living and effective, sharp, penetrating, and discerning, and that we should confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy, and find grace for “timely help.” Not just help, but timely help! The responsorial psalm goes on to describe the Lord’s attributes as perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, enduring forever, and true.

In Mark’s gospel, we find tax collector Levi, whose chosen profession put him at odds with his fellow Jews because he was personally profiting from the exorbitant taxes he was extracting from his neighbors on behalf of the Romans. (Levi is believed to be another name for Matthew, the apostle.)

A simple invitation, “Follow me,” from Jesus and Levi immediately got up and left his post. It is believed that the house Jesus then dines in is Levi’s house.
This tax collector, who could easily have ignored Jesus’ request and kept doing his job, displayed the confidence we all should feel when we approach Jesus or his word.

Levi/Matthew had much to lose by following Jesus, including his livelihood and his identity. Would I have been so quick to run after Jesus, to invite him to my home, to walk away from my profession? I like to think so, but I tend to be a cautious person, so it does give me pause.

Let us pray: “Lord, help me to recall these words used to describe your ways — refreshing, trustworthy, right, clear, pure, enduring forever, true, and full of mercy – when I talk to you. Increase my confidence in your love and mercy for me and all humankind as we seek to follow your Son, our Lord. And help us to manifest that confidence to others who are desperately in need of knowledge of your grace.”