Mass Reading Reflection – Divine Appeals
Tuesday , Sixth week in Ordinary Time, Year I
First Reading – Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 29:1a and 2.3ac-4.3b and 9c- 10 (R. 11b)
Gospel – Mark 8:14-21
In the first reading (Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5, 10), we see the gravity of human sin that filled the earth, provoking God’s sorrow and judgment through the flood. There stood Noah in the midst of sin, a beacon of righteousness and favor before God. His obedience commanded saving grace for his family and all living things. It reminds everyone that when the world is buried in sin, it will always reveal the people’s faithfulness and trust in God’s will, which provides shelter in mercy among them. We must, like Noah, strive for and walk in the rightness of our ways by relying on the adorable saving power of our Jesus to guide us through the storms of our lives.
The responsorial psalm (Ps 29) ascribes the thundering voice of God over the water. It speaks of His dominion and sovereignty upon the earth. The voice of the Lord brings power, splendor, and peace to His people. Such a description of divine authority reassures us that our Adorable Jesus governs all things with love and justice, one with the Father. Even when our lives are affected by trials, we must listen carefully to His voice, knowing that His words provide peace to those who seek Him.
In the Gospel (Mark 8:14-21), Jesus warns His disciples against the Pharisees’ and Herod’s leaven. It is dangerously easy to become spiritually blind and hard of heart; the disciples- who had even seen the loaves multiply -missed the point as they continued to argue about bread. The disciples exemplify how easy it is to lose sight of the presence and might of our Adorable Jesus amid the daily struggles of life. But it invites us to rise above the earthly and be aware that only the Bread of Life meets every need.
Thus, today’s readings encourage us to place our complete reliance in our Adorable Jesus, who is the Lord of Creation and the source of our spiritual sustenance. We, like Noah, must build the ark of our faith among the world’s mounting floodwaters of sin. We must avoid the leaven of skepticism and pride in order to fill our hearts with all of the grace that comes from our Adorable Jesus, particularly by seeking Him in the Real Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. There, too, He renews our strength and provides us tranquility that no one else can provide.
Prayer
Our Adorable Jesus, increase our faith in Your saving power and mercy. When we are surrounded by sin and fear, help us to walk in righteousness like Noah. When we hear the storms of life roar, remind us that Your voice is our peace. Open our hearts to recognize Your Real Presence, that we may trust You always and find our rest in You. Amen.