Today's Readings
"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 7:17
Now there's a popular phrase! OK, not as popular as the First Lady's dress, or "the next American Idol", but in the Scripture, this phrase likening Jesus to Melchizedek, is repeated a few times here and there. This begs the question, WHO IS MELCHIZEDEK?
The good news is that my Bishops have done all of the work. READ THIS, and when you're finished, come back and note the following:
We Are a Priestly People: The Apostle Peter labeled us all a "royal priesthood" to designate that life with Christ is better, and even truly superior to a life without Christ. Melchizedek enters into the midst of Abraham, to bless him, and his dcendents forever. There's no mention of where he came from, or where he went. He just showed up and offered his blessing. It would seem that his priesthood was a sort of foreshadowing of the Messiah. Without warning, or major fanfare, Christ entered the world to bless us and heal us! A great example is seen in today's Gospel from Mark 3: 1-6. Jesus enters the life of a paralytic, and offers him the blessing of healing, which in turn will certainly bless his family forever!
The New Order: Offer Blessings Wherever You Go! The levite priesthood of old served the Law, and had a primary purpose. This new order of priesthood brought by Melchizedek, hinted that a change in the law would come, one which serves the people, and their needs, and their future. So if Jesus is a "priest forever in the line of Melchizedek", and we are followers of Christ; let us do as Melchizedek and Jesus did. Let us bless those in our lives with good example and life, and reach out of ourselves to offer comfort and healing!
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