''Love Perfected'': A Reflection on the Second Reading for November 4th, 2018: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Hebrews 7.23-28

The priests of the first covenant were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself.

For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

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You are so incredibly loved.

After reading this scripture for the first time, I sat in awe of the amazing sacrifice that Jesus has offered up for me—and for you. Although I already knew He died for my sins, sometimes I forget the great weight of this act. Jesus gave us the ultimate gift of an eternity of joy and happiness with our Father despite all of our shortcomings and wrongdoings. He gave humankind a gift that we do not deserve because of His great and amazing love for us. ​

"He gave humankind a gift that we do not deserve because of His great and amazing love for us."

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It is our human nature to desire justice and fairness in all aspects of our lives. As a society, we value others taking responsibility for their faults and actions. We typically do not want to take the blame or responsibility for the undesirable things that others have done. Humans are susceptible to holding grudges, and aim to prove that they do not deserve punishment for the sins of others. Most parents would do anything for their child, and love them so much they would be willing to suffer for their sake. But it is unheard of that someone would die for people who do not yet exist on earth. It would take the strongest form of love to surpass these inhibitions.

In His perfect and divine nature, Jesus took the blame for all of our faults. Although He is incapable of sin Himself, he made Himself vulnerable to experience the pain brought about by the wrongdoings we have committed. To willingly suffer one of the most painful and torturous deaths, being in no way deserving, is the greatest form of love that can ever exist. I can’t even begin to comprehend the full meaning of that sacrifice.

The times when I feel like my relationship with God is weakening, or I am finding it hard to trust in Him fully, recalling His sacrifice on the cross reminds me of how much He truly loves me. Then it seems silly to me that I ever doubted His love by distrusting Him, or not seeking Him out as I should. Without love or care, a relationship can’t survive. God always loves us in the most unconditional way. I know that when I feel distanced from God, it is because of my doing. It is because I lack trust and do not express my love for my Father enough. His sacrifice for us is too great to be forgotten or disregarded. It is the most perfect example of love that there has ever been. 

"His sacrifice for us is too great to be forgotten or disregarded. It is the most perfect example of love that there has ever been."

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I pray that each day I can recognize God’s love for me, and show gratitude and love to Him as well. Amen.

​Megan Noye