Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time (I)

Official Translation

Reading 1 – Hebrews 7.1-3, 15-17

Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High,
met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,
and to whom Abraham divided a tenth part of all
First, by translation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;
without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
who has been made, not on the basis of a law with a commandment about flesh-descent,
but according to the power of an indestructible life
for it is testified, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Responsorial – Psalm 110.1, 2, 3, 4 Resp. 4b

R. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”

R. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord will send out the scepter of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.

R. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
From the womb before the day star, I have begotten you.

R. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord has sworn, and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

R. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel – Mark 3.1-6

Jesus entered again into the synagogue,
and there was a man there who had his hand withered.
They watched Jesus, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, that they might accuse him.
He said to the man with the withered hand, “Stand up.”
He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life or to kill?”
But they were silent.
When he had looked around at them with anger, grieved at the hardening of their hearts,
he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”
He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.
The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him,
how they might destroy him.