JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST

XXIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Hebrews 4:14-16

In the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is called “the supreme High Priest who has gone through to the highest heaven” (Heb 4:14). The High Priest of Old could not approach or enter anyhow the Most Holy Place. It was the role of the High Priest to offer sacrifice and to ask for atonement for the whole community. He was supposed to be a bridge between God and his people. Jesus Christ as the High Priest supersedes in all ways the priesthood of the Old Testament.

Some people may think that priesthood has to do with magic, but far from it. The priest establishes the link with God, offering worship and sacrifice in the name of the people and kneeling or bowing before God with confidence in his mercy and atoning for the sins of the community. As the High Priest, Jesus entered once for all into the most holy place, opening the gates of heaven for us, and offering himself in sacrifice, a sacrifice of reconciliation and peace, of thanksgiving and praise.

In the first reading of this Sunday’s liturgy, the prophet Isaiah tells us that “he offers his life in atonement”, and “By his sufferings shall my servant justify many, taking their faults on himself. (Is 53:10-11). Jesus’ priesthood is one of service. Indeed, “the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:45).

In the Old Testament, the position of High Priest became very powerful, with a big influence in political matters. In Jesus’ condemnation to death, the High Priest Caiaphas played a leading role. However, the gospel comes to put it very clear that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and he offered his life in sacrifice for his people. Jesus is at the same time the priest who offers the perfect sacrifice, and that perfect sacrifice. Jesus offered his life in sacrifice once for all, so that there is no need of other sacrifices. All sacrifices that we may offer are only possible when offered in communion with the sacrifice of Christ. We do not offer other sacrifice to God, but His sacrifice, the only sacrifice that his pleasing to God.