This week we begin reading from the “Letter to the Hebrews.” This work is not exactly a letter but is more a homily or theological treatise. It reflects on the full humanity and full divinity of Jesus. From these reflections the author draws out the meaning for our own daily life, what we ought to do and how we should live.
In today’s first reading Hebrews brings out the full humanity of Jesus. He is the “pioneer” or “leader” (archēgos) of our salvation. Jesus shows us the way to salvation. The way he shows us, the way to glory, is through humility, service, and sacrifice: “Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” The author of Hebrew emphasizes that Jesus has truly become one of us and is our brother and we all have a common Father:
For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, ‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’” (Hebrews 2:11-12).
In these reflections the author brings out the full humanity of Jesus. He is truly one of us and has become fully human. Jesus has experienced all the joys and sorrows that we experience as human beings.
God is always trying to speak to us, to communicate with us. Hebrews begins by reflecting on God’s never-ending endeavor to get us to listen to him. Sometimes we hear but only partially, but God never gives up on us. Hebrews begins with an affirmation that God wants to talk with us:
“In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son…” (Hebrews 1:1-2).
As we begin Ordinary time this week, let us spend some time each day this week listening, listening to Jesus, listening to God. Hebrews tells us that God speaks to us fully and unambiguously in Jesus. When we listen to the words of Jesus, we hear the words of God. What is Jesus saying to you today? What does God want to tell you?
Image: “Christ preaching amongst a crowd of people. Pen and ink drawing. Work ID: e8sz9uux.” is licensed under CC BY 4.0.