Word to the Wise
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Wednesday in the First Week of Ordinary Time
[Hebrews 2:14-18 and Mark 1:29-39][Jesus] had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
What are the qualities that any of us expect of a priest (or anyone who is in full time ministry in the church)? I'm sure we could fill a "dry erase" board with all kinds of adjectives and in the end we would wind up wondering if even Jesus meets the job description! I think however most of us if not all would agree that being "merciful and faithful" are two qualities that we must have in a minister. In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author sets out to convince the reader of the status of Jesus Christ as a new and eternal high priest, replacing the Old Testament priesthood. The word "new" is very important since Jesus himself was not from the tribe of Levi and therefore would represent an entirely new identity. In doing this, the author describes Jesus as a "merciful and faithful" high priest, based on the life he lead. I think all of us who have read the gospels could see that Jesus was sorely tested and remained faithful. He was constantly asked for help and was always merciful, even to those who put him to death! The result is that in suffering, he is in solidarity with us all. But in his fidelity and mercy, he is the example for us all and knows how hard it is for us to be merciful and faithful. Yet, "merciful and faithful" seem to me to be the qualities that I would want most to emulate as a priest. In fact, those are qualities that I most appreciate in my friends who are so merciful to me and faithful in their friendship! The lengthy theological presentation in the Letter to the Hebrews, with its broad historical imagery, should not numb us to those two very important qualities of the new and eternal High Priest. He was and is one with us in his mercy and faithfulness. So should we be with one another! AMEN
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