Philosophers down the ages have believed that there is a perfect, unseen world, of which this world is but a shadow. Similarly, the Letter to the Hebrews says “All your life you have been trying to get away from the shadows to the truth which is in Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself IS the ultimate truth, the perfect world.

The incredible victories of heroes are mentioned in this passage. Against unimaginable odds they held on in faith to the belief that God was on their side. They had faith in God’s almighty power and ultimate victory. The Hebrews’ writer seeks to inspire new courage and new responsibilities by making his readers and hearers remem-ber the past. This chapter is a reminder of how the Lord stood by His people. When we are discouraged, let us remember that it is this same God that we worship, whose arms are all-encompassing, and under whose cloud of unconditional love we, God’s children live, and move, and have our being.

In the Gospel proclamation we view scenes contrary to what we would expect. Our Lord Jesus, open to the mind and heart of the Father, saw, felt, and acted according to God’s will. The demon recognised Jesus as the Messiah, and we would have expected those witness-ing that miracle to have cemented their faith. But these people were blind to reality. Instead of experiencing joy at seeing a man freed of demons, they reacted with terror. Their avarice made them want to banish the disturbing Christ, blinding them to the joy of Jesus’ presence. Many in the modern world do the same. Faith has been described as a way of holding on to what we hope for, certain of what we cannot see. The first reading recounts biblical examples of people who risked everything, underwent unbearable torture, for the sake of their faith. Their faith and endurance enabled the Jewish religion to survive. Jesus Himself was born into the Jewish faith, according to God’s purpose. We, as God’s people, are chosen to be inheritors of this glorious tradition. Let us hold fast to it and in love and hope.

Prayer: Abba Father, may your Spirit help us to follow Jesus and fulfill His vision for us.Amen