Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
In the classic film, The Sound of Music, Maria sings the song "I Have Confidence" on her bus journey from the abbey to the home of Captain Von Trapp and his seven children for whom she been chosen as governess. The bold and boisterous number convinces us, as we watch, that she is indeed pumped for this new adventure and challenge in her life. We are swept away by her buoyancy up until the moment she reaches the wrought-iron gates and is instantly awed by the massively elegant mansion, her destination and her destiny, behind them. Her voice trails off with disquieting uncertainty, and the silence that ensues as we pan the scene with her is deafening. After what seems an eternity, she finally utters two small but overwhelmingly important words: "Oh, help!"Before Jesus became our great high priest, before the veil was forever torn, we stood before God's throne of grace like Maria at the iron gates, humbled, awestruck, speechless, without a shred of confidence to swing wide the gates and approach the presence of the Almighty. But Jesus is our mediator and advocate, knowing our frailties and temptations, willing and able to greet us at the gates, take our hands, and lead us confidently toward God. He heard Maria's "oh, help" just as He hears ours today. He renewed her strength and courage and enabled her to complete her journey with boldness; He will do the same for us.
Readings:
Psalms: 85,86,91,92
Ezekiel: 1:28-3:3
Hebrews: 4:14-5:6
Luke 9:28-36
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