Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, Doctor
Friday of week 2 in Ordinary Time
First reading Hebrews 8:6-13
In Hebrews 8:6-13, Jesus Christ is revealed as the fulfillment and mediator of the new covenant, which surpasses the old covenant based on the law. The old covenant, inscribed on stone tablets and dependent on human adherence, ultimately could not bring true salvation, as the people of Israel repeatedly strayed from it. In contrast, the new covenant is not an external set of rules but an intimate, transformative reality written directly onto human hearts and minds through the incarnation of Christ. By becoming man, God bridges the gap between Himself and humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through grace rather than mere obligation. This new covenant signifies a profound inner renewal, where God’s presence dwells within each believer, fostering a direct and personal relationship. As God declares, “I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts. Then I will be their God, and they shall be my people,” emphasizing that salvation is now an internal transformation rather than an external observance. Let’s reflect: How can I open my heart and mind more fully to embrace the new covenant, allowing God’s presence to truly transform my thoughts, actions, and identity from within?
Don Giorgio