This week, Fr. Gabriel will be leading us through Hebrews 9-10. Please take the time to read through these chapters this weekend.
In last week’s discussion, we looked at the liturgical nature of the readings in Hebrews 7 and 8. In 7:27, the writer says that Christ, as our Great High Priest, offered his sacrifice “once for all when he offered up himself.” In other words, the sacrifice of the Cross happens once and for everyone. Therefore, in the Eucharist, we do not re-sacrifice Christ, but we participate in this singular sacrifice. This verse also teaches that the atonement is offered for all, not simply a particular race or elect. The writer also tells us that the earthly sacrifices called for under the Law and practiced in the Temple are a mere shadow of the heavenly worship. Therefore, the worship here on earth is a reflection of the true worship which takes place in heaven. We also looked at the Greek word “leitourgos” found in 8:2 and 8:6. This word is generally translated as “ministry” but is used in the Greek Septuagint to mean the liturgist or that person (i.e, the priest) who performs the sacrifice. Therefore, the person who performs the liturgy in the earthly sanctuary is simply the representative or shadow of Christ himself who perform the liturgy for all eternity in heaven.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is meatloaf. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17.