Homily Second Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17) “A Priest Forever”
Homily Second Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17) “A Priest Forever”
We have a metaphor that is referred to often in the Letter to the Hebrews. Jesus Christ is compared to the priest named Melchizedek. We meet Melchizedek in the Book of Genesis. Abraham does battle with several kings and he defeats them. As a sign of his thanks, Abraham has Melchizedek offer sacrifice at Salem. Melchizedek is both the king of Salem and the priest who offers sacrifice.
Abraham obviously has respect for the one true God because he offers one tenth of all his booty to Melchizedek to offer sacrifice. It is significant to us that the sacrifice offered is bread and wine.
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure. His parents are never referred to nor is his death. For that reason, he was said to be a priest forever. The priests that the Hebrews were familiar with were the sons of Aaron. The position of priest was an inherited position and lasted while one lived.
When the writer of Hebrews referred to Jesus being a priest like Melchizedek, he was saying that Jesus’ priesthood was forever because Jesus lived forever. He is eternal.
In Sacred Heart Church we have a window that depicts Melchizedek in our sanctuary area. It is located on the East side. In fact, it was the window that the limestone fell out of last summer. Melchizedek is depicted offering bread and wine. The story has obvious Eucharistic overtones.
When we celebrate Eucharist, we offer a sacrifice of bread and wine to the one true God. Eucharist means thanksgiving. We are giving thanks like Abraham did for the many blessings we have received.
Reflection Questions:
- When I attend church do I look for something to give thanks for at Mass? Why is it important to have prayer intentions when I come to Mass?
- The sacraments are supposed to give us grace. What does that mean to me?
Dear Parishioners,
The last few days I have written to you about the religious practices we have had to adjust because of he pandemic. I write to you today about another adjustment we will be making. This one will be on Ash Wednesday.
When I was in seminary one of the priests had a curious practice. On Ash Wednesday he would request that the ashes not be put on his forehead in a cross, but that they be sprinkled on his head. I did not know why he did this, but it was explained to me that this was the more ancient practice.
This Lent we will all be asked to do this because of COVID 19. This will prevent the spread of the virus. Bishop Jenky wrote us a letter about this last week. This will be surprising to many, but if we remember this was the way ashes were used in the early church, hopefully the practice will make more sense.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark