We have been hearing from the Letter to the Hebrews in our first readings these past few weeks in our daily Masses. Much of this letter addresses the priesthood of Jesus, comparing his priesthood to the role of the priest in the Jewish religion in Ancient Israel. The Jewish priests offered sacrifices in the Temple every day for the atonement for the sins of the people. But, the author states that these sacrifices that the Temple priests made each day were not really effectual in taking away their sins. Jesus offers the one sacrifice that is not from the fruits of the earth, but rather himself. He is the perfect sacrifice because of his union with the Father. Jesus now sitting at the right hand of the Father. His work is complete. By contrast, the priests in the Temple are always standing, offering sacrifices each day, implying that their work is never complete. In our Christian faith, we do not offer sacrifices each day in our churches like the priests did in the Temple in Ancient Israel. We receive forgiveness from God through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus offers the one complete sacrifice: himself. We have no need for these other sacrifices. However, we as disciples of Christ, have to be willing to open ourself to his forgiveness in our lives. We have to be open to repentance, conversion, and transformation. The healing power of Christ is there for us. We are called to unite ourselves fully with his self-sacrifice. May we be willing to say: Here I am Lord. I am open to your will.
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