Today’s readings could go a long way towards persuading us that when we get up in the morning we are not facing the day alone. Of course very often we are conscious of the support of family members or friends and, indeed, of our ability to support them and others in our turn. Sometimes, however, we may seem for various reasons to be really on our own. We may be away from home for business or studies. We may feel isolated because we have to make difficult decisions or we may feel obliged to take an unpopular stance.

In such isolation we are assured by both readings that a very powerful friend is with us. It is generally agreed that the second half of the first chapter of Mark is an account of a “sample” twenty-four hours in the life of Jesus. In this account Jesus is very busy but is well received because of the powerful helping hand he stretched out to men and women in need. Not all his twenty-four hours, however, went so smoothly. Nor do ours.

The first reading points out to us that Christ is our brother, precisely because he was tested by the kind of twenty-four stretches that test us. He understands our situation because he has experienced it. As our brother, leader and inspirer he has the desire to help us. As the High Priest appointed by the Father he has the power to do so.