Again we have the prophet Zechariah as the first reading for Mass:
"Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: in those days ten men of every nationality, speaking different tongues, shall take hold, yes, take hold of every Jew by the edge of his garment and say, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'" (8:22-23)
An image, this passage is, of Holy Communion.
Through the consent of Mary, the power of the Holy Spirit conceives the eternal Word of God as the human life of Jesus Christ, who is the Israel of God in person. By his Body broken open and his Blood poured out on the Cross, this divine humanity is offered to us as our saving nourishment in the Eucharist.
In approaching Holy Communion we desire to grasp the Jew by the edge of the garment of his humanity so that he may lead and carry our humanity to the destiny of the New Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God both arriving and fulfilled in the Resurrection.
4 comments:
Thank you for this! Meditating on this passage this morning, I was at a loss!
Well said again! Your image of that passage becomes even more definite as I picture the priest concluding the reading with that homily , proceeding to the altar, and beginning the liturgy of the Eucharist. It becomes one fluid thought.
Here in the UK, our 'Thought for the Day' this morning on BBC Radio 4 was given by the Chief Rabbi. It was an attractive message about their season of repentance - making time to take stock and ask forgiveness each year so that our 'debts' do not become overwhelming. This was good to take hold of.
Without wishing to denigrate that, it's good to be reminded that Jesus is the Jew, through whom we receive forgiveness. That's a new angle for me, which I hadn't 'grasped' before.
I also don't mean to imply that there is any other way than through Jesus.
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