"A Letter of Love": A Reflection on the Second Reading for October 21st, 2018: Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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​Hebrews 4.14-16

Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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You have passed through the heavens, and You have been tested—just like us.

I’ve always been amazed by the weight of the phrase, “yet without sin.” How perfect you are, Jesus. But maybe the more astonishing miracle is hiding in the phrase, “tested as we are.” You, who have “passed through the heavens.” This couldn’t have been a sham or play—acting of temptation with never a chance of choosing Your own will over Your Father’s. It says You were tested in every respect. I’m overwhelmed that You would put yourself in such a vulnerable position. You, who “passed through the heavens.” Why?

Love. That word rises up to the surface. Was that You? Did You just say that to me, Jesus?

Because we were far, and You wanted us near. And this was the only way. The only way we could pass through the heavens, too.

Come to Your throne.
Boldly to Your throne of grace.
Where You want us to be.

Oh my Lord, my beloved Lord. There are so many people You bring my way who don’t draw near to You because they think they can’t, because they think they are not worthy. Let them see that they aren’t, but that it doesn’t matter! Your love, and the vulnerability it drove You to, has brought them near—has brought me near, when all I’ve earned is to be far away because of the mess I’ve made of it. By choosing my way over my Father’s way. When we get it wrong and mess it up, don’t let it keep us away, hiding in the bushes. Any voice that tells us we can’t draw near isn’t Yours. You are calling as you walk through the Garden, “Where are you?” Wanting us to come out in the open. You are standing at the door, knocking. Wanting no barrier between us.

You want us near. You gave everything to get us there.

Priest and altar and victim 1 :  The one making the sacrifice. The place and time of sacrifice. The very sacrifice itself. Once, and for all.


Jesus, You truly are the centre.


Help us to come boldly—to come running to Your throne of grace. To Your arms of love. Your throne is Your seated, ever-existing power. Your grace is You extending yourself toward us. Arms open wide.

In gratefulness, I sing a simple song of Love (click here to listen to Arms of Love). 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.


​Noreen Smith

1 idem sacerdos, altare et agnus exhibuit
Preface V of Easter “As He gave Himself into Your hands for our salvation, He showed Himself to be the Priest, the Altar, and the Lamb of sacrifice.

"​You want us near. You gave everything to get us there."
- Noreen Smith (Ora Reflections)

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