As we begin the liturgical season of Ordinary Time in the Christian tradition, we are invited to reflect on the daily readings. For this first week of the season, the first readings come from an unknown author directed at the somewhat ambiguous audience in early Christianity known as “the Hebrews.” The Gospel readings during Ordinary Time are focused on Jesus and his actions and words, but mostly his actions, in the Gospel of Mark. There is also a reflection question based on documents from the Xaverian Brothers or from accounts of the lives of Xaverian Brothers or lay Partners in Mission. Please consider writing your own responses to the reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions.

Here are the readings for Friday, January 17 from the Letter to the Hebrews and from the Gospel of Mark.

(painting below of “The Temptation of St. Anthony” by Hieronymus Bosch)

1. The author to the Hebrews is full of concern about the peoples’ failure to observe the Sabbath, or to rest. Why is this a temptation today as much as it was 2000 years ago?
2. Meditate on Jesus’ comment to his detractors-“which is easier to say-your sins or forgiven or to say get up and walk.” The Pharisees think they know why it is easier to say get up and walk, but what is Jesus really challenging them and us to consider?

Read page 6 from the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.

Conversion is a tricky term to apply to people, because it suggests immediate transformation. How does the author of the Fundamental Principles concur with the author to the Hebrews about pauses, sabbaths, or space in the day as necessary for that conversion to take place?

(Photo above of Br. Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX, and friends)