Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 / Mark 3:1-6
One of the figures of the Old Testament that is shrouded with mystery is this person called Melchizedek, who was mentioned in the 1st reading.
Melchizedek is mentioned in two instances in the Old Testament - Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4, but his origin still remains a mystery.
His name means "king of righteousness" and he was king of Salem, which means that he was the king of peace. He was described as the priest of the most high God and Abraham offered him tithes.
The word "righteousness" also has the meaning of justice and it is to be understood in the context of the covenantal relationship with God.
By faith we are justified and hence we live our lives with righteousness and moral conduct so as to express our relationship with God.
In living out our covenantal relationship with God in righteousness and justice, we will also be at peace with God and with others.
As the 1st reading puts it, Jesus is the second Melchizedek; He is the expression of the righteousness and peace of God.
Hence in His encounter with the man who had a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, He questioned those present whether it is right and just, whether it is against the law to do good and to save life.
But their silence only grieved Him and nonetheless, He proceeded to cure the man.
Yes, it is rather strange that righteousness and peace are met with obstinacy and even evil.
Yet, like Jesus, let us continue to live our lives in righteousness and bring about peace in the face of obstinacy and evil.