"We have a great high priest, JESUS, the Son of GOD, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indifferent to our weaknesses, for HE was tempted, in every way, just as we are, yet, without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence, approach the throne of grace. We will obtain mercy and, through HIS favor, help in due time.
Every high priest is taken from among mortals, and appointed, to be their representative before GOD, to offer gifts, and sacrifices for sin. He is able to understand the ignorant and erring, for he, himself, is subject to weakness. That is why he is bound to offer sacrifices, for his sins, as well as, for the sins of the people. Besides, one does not presume to take this dignity, but takes it only when called by GOD, as Aaron was.
Nor did CHRIST become high priest in taking upon HIMSELF this dignity, but it was given to HIM, by the one who says: YOU are MY son, I have begotten YOU today. And in another place: YOU are a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.
CHRIST, in the days of HIS mortal life, offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries. HE prayed to HIM, who could save HIM from death, and HE was heard, because of HIS humble submission. Although HE was Son, HE learned, through suffering, what obedience was, and, once made perfect, HE became the source of eternal salvation, for those who obey HIM." - Hebrews 4:14-5:9
(For the Jews, the high priest--despite his personal defects--was a sacred person protecting the people from the punishment deserved by their sins. The people needed not only leaders to govern them, but an advocate before GOD. Aaron, Moses' brother, the first priest of the Jews, had been such a man. His successors, the high priests, were to be the same.
This idea is developed here: the high priest is the people's representative before GOD, and he must be weak as they are but accepted by GOD. CHRIST is just that and perfectly so. Forgetting that JESUS is a man among humans is as serious for the faith as forgetting that HE is the Son of GOD.
It is helpful to look at the role of CHRIST, the high priest, at this time when the Church reminds us that all the faithful are associated with the priestly role of CHRIST. We must represent humanity before GOD; we are consecrated to GOD for that purpose.
In the Eucharist we thank GOD in the name of everyone. In daily life we must be instruments of the grace of GOD by being people who promote truth, encourage love and establish peaceful relationships.
HE offered HIS sacrifice with tears and cries. In Scripture, these words are used to express the insistent prayer of the oppressed children of GOD: they cry to GOD in such a loud voice that HE listens to them. Thus, the night before HIS death, JESUS identified with men and women who suffer and do not want to die.)
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