When you think of Jesus, what do you think was his job? Healer of the sick, the lame and the blind, as in today’s gospel? The second reading from Hebrews reminds us of his main duty: It calls him a High Priest. He would offer the most important sacrifices and so appeal to God for forgiveness of the peoples’ sins.
The high priest offered sacrifice for his own sins, as well as the peoples’. While Jesus did not sin, he experienced temptations just as we do and so can intercede for us as one who knows what it is like to be tempted. If you ever wonder if you deserve to be forgiven, remember that Jesus died for all sinners, deserving or not. Like the high priest, Jesus also brings our prayers to his Father and shows us the Father’s love.
Our baptism gives us a share in that priesthood. You don’t have to be ordained to pray for your friends and family. When you listen to a friend who is hurting, or forgive someone who hurts you, you are blessing them with God’s love. When you encourage them to have faith and trust in the Lord, you are bringing them to God. You are sharing in the priesthood of Christ.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications