2Timothy 3:10-17, Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166-168, Mark 12:35-37

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS:  2Timothy 3:10-17,

                                                                  Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166-168

                                                                 Mark 12:35-37

2 Timothy 3:10-17

My Beloved, there is so much that St. Paul says here for me to note, understand and take to heart.

1) Verse 12 says that all those who desire to serve You can expect to be persecuted.  This is a fact  ought not to surprise us when the world turns upon Your servants with the same cruelty and blind hatred they showed You.  As You said, the servant is not greater than the master.

2) The Word of God is our treasure and our inheritance.  It is the rich apostolic Tradition that is the deposit of faith passed on from one generation to the next and guarded zealously and unsullied by the Church.  What we receive from her is what You taught and what You entrusted to her keeping.

3)  All Scripture has the potential and power to teach wisdom that sets alight the faith that leads us to know You intimately as our Savior and Lord.

4)  Scripture is the most excellent means by which we can learn and teach, we can point out error and correct wrong doing as well as train in the ways of God.

5)  Scripture is the means by which which one who is consecrated to You is capable of serving You in every way that You call us to serve You no matter where it may be, whether in a small, hidden way or more greatly and publicly.  Scripture will teach us and equip us to do all that You desire us to do.

Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166-168

We see in these verses what St. Paul echoes in today's epistle.  

We can expect persecution.  

Your Word is Truth and will stand forever.  

Your commandments are just.

Beloved, I am wonder struck at Your awesome Word.  Those who serve You and love You will know only peace and joy and even in the midst of distress they will stand firm in You and Your Word.  You know me Lord and Your eyes are on me always because You love me.

Mark 12:35-37

My Beloved Lord, the whole of the Old Testament is replete with references to You who are the Messiah, the High Priest, Heir to the Kingdom of God, the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Messiah, the Suffering Servant, the Emmanuel.  Here You point to Yourself and who You truly are.  You invite Your hearers to understand how You could not be the son of David simply because David himself acknowledged You as Lord and You are far greater than he was.  For those with ears to hear and eyes to see You are the Christ, the only begotten Son of the Living God, consubstantial with the Father.  Born of the Father before time began.  God from God, Light from Light True God from True God.  And I am Yours all Yours.