Ordinary Time, Thursday, 2-1-24, Year B
Readings: 1st Reading 1 Kgs:2-4, 10-12; Ps 1Chr 29:10, 11ab-12a, 12bcd; Gospel; Mk 6:7-13
Theme: Living Christ’s Legacy
Legacy. One of the Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of the noun, “legacy” is:
“A candidate for membership in an organization who is given special status because of a familial relationship to a member.”
We can think of legacy in this way: as being indoctrinated into a school or fraternal order where we knew or were affiliated with someone who was already a part of that organization, and through their legacy we are accepted into that organization.
The expectation for us as a new member is that we have been taught and exposed to the laws, rules, behavior, and character of that organization and will uphold them as a member and live them out. We then live and breathe the truth and teaching of that organization and are proud to be a part of it and to share it with the one whose legacy we now share.
In a way, that is what is happening in both our readings today. We see David in his final days instructing his son Solomon. David has taught him everything he knows and reminds Solomon of his responsibility as he takes over the kingship of Israel. David’s legacy now lives and breathes in his son, Solomon. Solomon now belongs to a very important organization, one which follows God Himself. Solomon carries on the legacy and favor of God that was his Father’s so that God’s will and love may continue to be with the Hebrew nation.
For the twelve disciples in today’s Gospel, it is the same, yet they do not know it. Jesus is preparing to preserve His legacy on earth through His disciples. Jesus has been instructing His disciples all along and now the time has come for them to go forth on their own, without Jesus physically being with them. Jesus is preparing them for the times when He will no longer be with them, and they will have to go on without Him.
In Jesus’s loving way, He slowly molds His disciples in His pattern and gives them confidence in their abilities to be like Him here on Earth. Although they do not know it now, they will carry on Jesus’s legacy and bring God to all who will listen, and they will do it on their own with the Holy Spirit to guide them.
Jesus’ teaching and molding of the disciples does not end with the disciples. Jesus does the same with you and me. If we listen to His words, read His teachings, and live as He lived, we will also carry on His legacy here on earth. And with this familial relationship, His legacy will grant us acceptance and indoctrination into His organization where life is eternal, and love is never-ending.
We are blessed to be connected with such a person as Jesus, who, through His legacy, can get us into His organization. Do not let Him down by squandering His gifts, not following His teachings, or ignoring the very people we should be helping as a member of God’s organization.
Cherish your membership and build a legacy of your own that you can pass on to others so they, too, may enjoy a membership within God’s organization, one filled with love, contentment, and happiness.
Saint James Catholic Church 