January 18, 2017 Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time-A

Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17

Psalm 110

Mark 3:1-6

Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart… Mark 3:5

Lord, when we know someone well we are aware of what “sets them off” and what “buttons to push” to get them angry.  In Mark’s story of the man whose hand you restored, he tells of your anger and grief over the hardness of heart of those who opposed you.  You were mad and sad at the same time over those who held a technicality of the law above the suffering of a child of God.  Your miracle of healing pushed them to plot your death.  Lord, look into my heart and heal any hardness you find.  Guide me to set my priorities such that pity and compassion come before blind following of ritual.  Always channel my anger to do good and not evil.  You want to give life to all our children.  Thank you Jesus for this example of using human emotion in the service of my brothers and sisters and the building up of your kingdom.  Amen.