2nd Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Wednesday 18th January 2023

The passage from Hebrews describes the three main types of the priesthood as found in the Sacred Scriptures. First, there is the priesthood of Melchizedek, an ancient and mysterious figure from the line of Abraham. Second, there is the Levitical priesthood (Num. 18). Thirdly, there is the priesthood of Jesus Christ, which resembles the priesthood of Melchizedek in personality, and the priesthood of Levi in function.

In comparing Christ and Melchizedek, the writer refers to Ps. 109: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Christ is like that of Melchizedek in several ways. Like Melchizedek, Christ is an eternal priest, not a mere mortal like the Levitical priests. Also, there is written evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls that describes Melchizedek as a heavenly and, perhaps, even a saving figure. It is natural to compare Christ to him in these aspects.

The scene in the Gospel passage takes place in the synagogue where Christ, the eternal high priest, is in the presence of the religious leaders on the Sabbath. The question arises as to whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. Jewish law states that it can be done only when one’s life is in danger. In the present case, there is no danger to life. To heal someone is to “do good”. For Jesus, the real issue is no longer what one can do on the Sabbath. It is an obligation to “do good” at all times and under all circumstances. May we heed what Jesus is telling us today.

Jesus, help me to do good at all times.