Melchizedek
His name means “king of righteousness”. He was the king of Salem, which later became Jerusalem. When Abraham returns from battle, Melchizedek blesses Abraham which is understood that he is also a priest of God Most High.
In our psalm today, we recognize Melchizedek as a priest forever. Because we do not exactly know where he came from nor how he died he is a foreshadowing of the Messiah, the Son of God. When he blesses Abraham, he brings an offering of bread and wine. Jesus will become the king and priest in the line of Melchizedek.
Jesus notices the man with the withered hand. His heart is touched with pity and desires to heal the man. But it is the Sabbath. Is it work to heal on the Sabbath? Jewish law says you are not to do any work on the Sabbath. But to offer healing to someone, is that not more important? Is that not the right thing to do?
Jesus teaches that basic needs of people are more important. Life is more important. People get into arguments about working on the Sabbath. I think you need to determine what is the meaning of work.
As priests, we work hard on Sunday, our Sabbath. Sometimes celebrating five masses, hearing confessions, and visiting the sick. This is all work for a priest. Are priests breaking the rule of not working on Sunday? Praying, just like healing, if to give life. To share life with others. Because priests must spend much of Sunday doing what the Church asks of us, then we must find another time to worship God, too.
What does that mean for you? Think of what you did last Sunday. Perhaps you went to Church and offered praise and worship. Great. Did you relax by watching a football game and eating chips? Well, maybe not the best, but if you did it with family, as a family activity, I think that is pretty darn good. If you took your laptop home and did work between football plays, just by yourself, I think you need to rethink what you are doing and make better plans.
Everyday is important for prayer, but Sunday you should be able to carve out a little more time for prayer, reading the Bible, and reflecting on what you have read. What will you do this Sunday?
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen