according to the pattern

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Hebrews 7:25 -- 8:6 Psalm 40:7-10, 17 Mark 3:7-12

Hebrews 8:5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary; for when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain."

There is always a tension between following the ritual laws and freely expressing our faith. I think that this tension is settled by doing both. There are times and places where we should keep what God has shown us sacred and do it as he has said. But we also have liberty to express our faith in ways that are more meaningful to us. We must be careful, however, not to go too far one way or the other.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to be able, without pride, to express worship to you as you desire, keeping your words where they should be and expressing faith in my own words when appropriate.

Amen