Jesus is the Messiah

Tobit 11:5-15, Mk 12:35-37. The best way to interpret the story of Tobit in today's first reading is by showing an appreciation of the family institution. This is first formed at home and then within one’s circle of friends, later echoed by our membership of the Church. Paul refers to this family background when writing to Timothy, “From your infancy you have known the Sacred Scriptures.” Earlier he refers to the sincere faith “which belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice.” A good home prepared Timothy for his apostolic ministry. Such a home setting ought to be reflected in our Churches to propel many to work for God. The Jerusalem Temple was called the “House of God.” In its Hebrew origins during their exodus from Egypt, their abode for God was a simple nomad’s tent providing a roof for the entire family. Tent-dwelling fostered intimacy, trust and a common sharing of sorrow or joys. The ark of the covenant was first housed in such a tent. David was blocked from building a house of cedar and mighty stones, because, God says, “from the day I led the Israelites out of Egypt to the present… I have been going about in a tent” (2 Sam. 7:6).

In today’s Gospel, there is an argument between Jesus and the Jewish Scribes about the identity of the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Jesus is confronting the teaching of the Scribes according to which the Messiah will be the son of David. He quotes from Psalm (119:1) to show that Messiah is not David’s son but David’s Lord. Although a descendant of David, Jesus, as Messiah, is declared to be David’s Lord. In other words, there is more to Israel’s Messiah that the Scribes acknowledged. As the long awaited Messiah, Jesus is Lord, Lord of the Sabbath, Lord of David and Lord of all. One of the great confessions of the early Church is, “Jesus is Lord.” That was a very striking confession in a Jewish context, because up till the time of Jesus, the title “Lord” was given only to God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the God of Israel. Today’s responsorial Psalm, a Jewish prayer, declares “My soul, give praise to the Lord”, to God. Jesus is Lord of Israel’s greatest King, David; He is our Lord, Lord of each one of us and Lord of the Church. Our calling is to live our lives under His Lordship, or, to put it in another way, to live as His servants, placing ourselves at the service of His purpose for our world.

May the Lord guide our thoughts, words and actions, so that what we do today may be pleasing to God! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!