Holy Week - Monday

Today’s Scriptures: Lectionary selections from the Revised Common Lectionary Year C Isaiah 42:1-9 Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-11

Today’s Reflection: If Holy Week had a theme, the one for 2013 could be the definition of Christ. The scriptures examine his purpose and the role he plays in the God/human interchange. We come to know a servant and a king, a warrior and a sacrifice, and a God and a man. Isaiah describes the functions Christ will accomplish while Hebrews names Jesus “high priest” and “mediator of a new covenant.” Identifying Jesus as the high priest held particular significance for Jewish readers. The high priest served as the intermediary between the people and God. Hebrews, without using the word, describes Jesus as the sacrifice that replaced all others. As both the high priest and the sacrifice, Christ alone could implement the new covenant that leads to eternal life. Unlike the high priests of antiquity, Jesus does not serve a limited term; he continues to be our connection to God. This Holy Week we can celebrate the direct go-between we have in Christ.

Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org