Lenten Reflection - April 4th

Written by: Renee Rose

Reading: Hebrews 5:5-10

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The two words that came to me when I read this verse and other readings related to it were responsibility and obedience. When first thinking of these words I would describe myself as a highly responsible individual. I would also say that I was fairly obedient as a teenager and even in my adult life I am moderately to highly obedient. Until writing this I never thought about this further but as I write this I found myself asking how I would apply these two words to my faith. The bottom line is I fall short. I am sure that we can all identify areas that we fall short in our responsibilities and obedience in life, but perhaps especially in our faith. Perhaps like me you are struggling with the conflict between responsibility to your life and responsibility to your faith and making it grow. Where do the two meet or do they? What do I know for sure? Christ is with me and I have known that all my life. I have never questioned that. I also know that he is pushing me to make the next move but why am I holding back?

Christ I pray that you give us the strength to be obedient and responsible in our faith and give us the strength to make the next move. Amen.