the best of times
"The main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, Who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, Minister of the sanctuary and of that true tabernacle set up, not by man, but by the Lord." —Hebrews 8:1-2
Jesus is a better Priest (Heb 7:28) with a better ministry in "a better covenant, founded on better promises" (Heb 8:6). The Jewish people did not think of God's work with them as completed. They were waiting for the Messiah to give them the new covenant. The writer of Hebrews maintained that Jesus was the Messiah, the Fulfillment of the law, the ultimate High Priest Who made the once and for all sacrifice (Heb 7:27) and tore open the curtain separating us from God's presence in the Holy of Holies (Mt 27:51).
Are you living the fulfilled life, or are you back in B.C.? Do you realize that "absolute fullness reside(s)" in Jesus? (Col 1:19) Are you living the new covenant of Baptism to the fullest? Do you know and live both the Old and New Testaments? Do you focus your life on the Eucharist, the perpetuation of Jesus' once and for all sacrifice on Calvary? Do you tell the world that Jesus has done it all and is our All in all? In Christ, we have everything we will ever need (see 2 Cor 6:10; 1 Cor 3:21).
Rejoice that you are alive in Jesus, in the Messianic age, the end times, the new covenant.
Prayer: Father, I know that "when much has been given a man, much will be required of him" (Lk 12:48). May I live appropriately to what I have received from You.
Promise: "Because He had cured many, all who had afflictions kept pushing toward Him to touch Him." —Mk 3:10
Praise: Father John gets up three hours before early morning Mass to listen to the Lord, pray, and prepare his heart to give Jesus to others in Word and Eucharist.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Evangelization As Worship.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996