Stand Together

Readings for Thursday January 27, 2011

First Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Mark 4:21-25


Brothers and sisters: Since through the Blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil, that is, his flesh, and since we have “a great priest over the house of God,” let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Heb. 10:19-25)

In high school, one of my projects was to make a miniature bridge that needed to withstand a lot of weight. Our teacher showed us that the wood that we were using was not very strong each piece by itself, in fact it could be easily broken. But when they were put together and arranged in good patterns, they were able to withstand a great deal of weight and pressure.

I believe that it is because of this principle that the author of Hebrews tells us that "we should not stay away from the assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another." We must remember that we are the bod of Christ, and when all parts of the body are strong and working right, then the body is strong; but when parts of missing or weak, then the body hurts. We must remember that our actions do not just affect us, but the entire body. This is why we must heed these words and "consider how to rouse one another to love and good works."

When we stand by ourselves, we are weak and can be broken. When we stand together with Christ, nothing can break us.

Father above, we thank you for this day. We thank you for the many blessings and gifts that you bestow on us ever day. Lord, we are your people may we live for you all of our days, and serve you without growing weary. Lord, we pray for all those who are suffering in this world and all those who are in need of healing. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.