Today is Feb. 8, Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time.
Today we read at Mass, “May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the Blood of the eternal covenant, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will” (Heb 13:20-21).
Today, we come to the conclusion of the cycle of readings from the Letter to the Hebrews. For weeks, this rich and profound text has drawn us into the mystery of Christ’s priesthood, his perfect sacrifice and the unshakable hope we have in him.
From the beginning, God intended to send his only begotten Son to redeem us. Jesus’ self-offering is one of the essential themes of Hebrews. Now, as we prepare to turn the page to Genesis, the first book of Scripture, we are reminded that all of salvation history — from creation to Christ — is bound together in God’s eternal plan. By beginning the year with Hebrews, we started at the end of the story! Moving to Genesis, we return to the beginning, but keep this mystery of hope in Christ alive.
Journeying back to the beginning
Hebrews ends with a blessing, a prayer that the God of peace would equip us with all that is necessary to do his will. This is not simply a farewell; it’s a commissioning! God, who raised up Jesus from the dead — the Good Shepherd of his sheep — will provide for us. Whatever we need to fulfill our mission, he will furnish. This is the security of the covenant, sealed not with passing things but by the Blood of Christ.
As we prepare to journey back to the beginning, to the foundations of the world in Genesis, let us carry this final word from Hebrews in our hearts: God does not leave us lacking. Whatever lies ahead — temptation, trials, joys or sorrows — we are given all that is good to do his will. The same God who called the world into being calls us today to trust in his providence, follow our Shepherd and live the faith we have received.
Let us step forward in that confidence, knowing that God, who began the work of our salvation, will bring it to completion.
Let us pray,
Grant us, Lord our God, that we may honor you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
