MAKE A COVENANT WITH GOD

“[Jesus] had to become like His brothers in every way, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest before God on their behalf, to expiate the sins of the people.” –Hebrews 2:17

Mass Readings: January 11
First: Hebrews 2:14-18; Resp: Psalm 105:1-4,6-9; Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

A covenant is a handing over of one’s essence. It involves a complete and total self-giving, a pledge of one’s very self. A covenant requires faith, hope, and love. It’s not a business contract, although it is just as binding.

The Lord remembers His covenant forever (Ps 105:8). May we help others to learn of His covenant and live it faithfully and joyfully. May we live our part in God’s new covenant (Jer 31:31-34).

A marriage is also a covenant. Two parties lay down their lives for each other in a way that binds them to each other. God’s covenant with His people resembles the marriage covenant. Scripture most often presents marriage as a picture of how God’s covenant relationship with His people works (see Eph 5:21-32; Hos 2:20-21).

Jesus sealed the New Covenant with His blood. At the Last Supper, the first Eucharist, Jesus said: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor 11:25). Likewise, all of the martyrs who died for Jesus spilled their blood as a seal to witness their part in the new covenant.

Jesus gives up His body and blood for us in covenant love at every Mass. Let us do likewise. Celebrate Mass as often as possible in covenant love.

PRAYER: Father, I offer You my heart, soul, mind, and body for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer. I love You forever.

PROMISE: “Since [Jesus] was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted.” –Heb 2:18

PRAISE: Alice has saved hundreds of children by personally loving and counseling young mothers in front of abortion chambers.