RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS CHRIST’S PRIESTHOOD

Meditation for Thursday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year B
(Heb 10:19-25; Mk 4:21-25)

Up until now, we have been meditating on the priesthood of Jesus Christ as given in the Letter to the Hebrews. We saw how the nature of His priesthood is more excellent, glorious and effective than the priesthood of old. Yesterday we saw how this priesthood that is offered once for all in the highest heavens is made effective in our times during the working of the Holy Spirit. Now, attention has shifted to us for whom Christ made His one offering and to whom this ministry is given in the Church. Our participation in this mystery summons us to responsibility.

Our gaze at Jesus the High Priest, seated at the right hand of God, fills us with confidence “To enter the sanctuary by the Blood of Jesus.” Since we have a great High Priest, who has removed the curtain that separated us from God’s throne of grace, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full ASSURANCE OF FAITH.” We must ensure that we are pure in body and soul, removing every evil conscience. Since God is faithful to His promises, we hold fast to our confession of hope, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and do good works, not neglecting to meet together.” If we keep these responsibilities towards our participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, we shall shine like light placed on the lamp stand.

God has given us the highest and most efficient means of salvation. We cannot receive this grace in vain; more responsibility is expected of us towards this great mystery. This is how we sustain the confidence and freedom with which we approach this throne of grace. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Thursday January 28^th, 2021.
Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas, OP
www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com