WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Hebrews 12:18-19,21-24; Ps 48 O GOd, we ponder your mercy within your temple; Mark 6:7-13

Here is the first reading for today's mass from the letter of Hebrews

"You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them…No, you have approached mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gatherings, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel."


Wow!

Read it again slowly.  See the distinction between what happened on Mt Sinai with the Israelites in the time of Moses and what happens with Jesus.

The first experience brought fear and trembling and the second invites joyful participation.

The first was trepidation and the second jubilation.

The Israelites begged to hear no more.  We now with Christ can't get enough.

What a difference a day makes as is often said.  Though the day I am referring to is several days: Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  Indeed it changes everything.  We are still in awe of God and yet this awe invites not terror but deep penetrating love and trust.

What a difference a day makes!

The day on Sinai would live forever in the memory of the israelites.    Go to Exodus 19 and reread the encounter.  Notice that it was on the third day God was going to come to them (Ex 19:15).

Yet, it is no match for the other third day that lives in the hearts and mind of people everywhere, believer or not.  The tale of two third days.

One brought trembling the other jubilation.  One brought distance and isolation and the other participation.  One was a spectacle that caused the earth to quake the other the heart of all humanity to quake.

What a difference a day makes!

The blood of Jesus continues to cry out but not for vengeance but rather for mercy for justice and truth meet on the cross and God's mercy rains down as Jesus blood falls to the ground.

What a difference a day makes!