The Presentation of the Lord
(Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-32)
Not just in present times have priests given scandal to
the people. Aaron, Moses’ brother and
high priest of Israel, fashioned the golden calf as an object of worship. In this case the people might not have been scandalized,
but certainly Moses was. Moses burned
the idols, ground its remains, and forced the people to consume them. Later, Hophni and Phineas, the priest sons of
the high priest Eli, took undue portions of the people’s sacrifices for themselves. But, of course, not all priests are bad. In any case they perform the necessary
service of offering sacrifice for the sins of the people. Today’s feast celebrates Jesus Christ as the
supreme high priest of God.
In the gospel Jesus is seen entering the Temple of God,
his rightful sanctuary as high priest. In
time he will offer the perfect sacrifice – his own body and blood for the
salvation of the world. The Letter to
the Hebrews especially alludes to this act in today’s reading. He is named “the merciful and faithful high
priest” who suffered “to expiate the sins of the people.”
Through our incorporation in the body of Christ we participate
in Jesus’ priestly sacrifice. When we
pray, deny ourselves for Jesus’ sake, or assist the needy, our sacrifice joins
Jesus’ death on the cross. We then become
priests with Jesus. Our good works help
him make up for the sins of all.
