The Priesthood of Christ

The Priesthood of Christ

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Heb. 7:25-8:6, Mk 3:7-12. Today’s first reading presents us with a contrast between the Levitical Priesthood and the Priesthood of Christ. The Hebrew priests could only offer “shadow” sacrifices as symbols of their relationship with God and repeatedly offered sacrifices as signs of the people’s desire to be freed from sin. In contrast, Jesus is the perfect High Priest who offers the perfect sacrifice of obedience in the perfect dwelling place of God in Heaven.

Today’s Gospel further points to Jesus as perfect High Priest in His ministry of healing. Jesus continues His ministry by teaching the people and healing them of the spiritual, physical and emotional maladies with which they are inflicted. However, the suspicion of the Pharisees is fanned into hatred when they notice the popularity of Jesus among the crowd. As men and women of faith, we often feel caught in tensions, like those faced by Jesus. Our life is a pilgrimage whose destiny lies beyond the horizons of this earth, in those heavenly places where Jesus has already gone “behind the veil.” Faith directs us to a glimpse of Jesus, our perfect High Priest, “undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens.” Faith insists that our enthusiasm for the goodness of Jesus is not flimsy as the clouds racing across the sky. The enthusiasm of the crowd for Jesus is not a passing excitement. It is an echo of Heaven, where people from all nations unite in turning with love, loyalty and gratitude to Jesus.

May the Lord meet our physical needs and bring us forgiveness, hope, healing and holiness! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!

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