Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:1-10)
I remember the moment when the thought hit me. I was about to officiate a ceremony, and I thought, "Who am I to do this special service?" If I'm remembering correctly, it was a baptism and I looked at my hands and knew that it was not me doing a thing; it was God, but yet, who was I to be "put in charge of things pertaining to God," among humans, for among them I was called and set apart to do such celebrations. This verse comes right in the middle of Pastor's Appreciation Month and it speaks about what happens among the call from God among clergy. "Chosen from among mortals," "put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins." We are called to deal lovingly and gently "with the ignorant and wayward," since we ourselves are "subject to weakness." Yet, we serve the one true high priest, Jesus Christ. Called by God, Son of God, yet came to be servant among us, offering prayers and supplication, ultimately offering Himself for us to save us from death; the ultimate example of one who was reverent and submissive to God. The ancient word for priest was pontifex, based on the word for bridge; a priest, especially the high priest was the bridge between us and God. All we have has come from Him, and what we offer up to God goes through Christ.
Jesus was obedient to God, learning through suffering, yet made perfect and became our source of eternal salvation for our sake, if we are obedient to God. Jesus remains our model for all believers, to be obedient, committed, faithful and fruitful to what God has called us to do.
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for Jesus, our High Priest. For those who are servants of Yours among us, we give You thanks. We pray Your blessing and protection upon our clergy. For those who love You and serve You among us as laity, we pray the same blessing upon them. We pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
