Christ did not enter
into a sanctuary
made by hands,
a copy of the true one,
but heaven itself,
that he might now
appear before God
on our behalf.
(Hebrews 9:24)
Christ's work is not limited to earthly sanctuaries but extends to the heavenly realm. He entered heaven itself, signifying the ultimate and perfect sanctuary.
Jesus appears in God's presence on our behalf. This highlights His role as our intercessor, advocating for us before God and ensuring that we have access to His grace and mercy.
Through Christ, we have direct access to God. His presence in the heavenly sanctuary assures us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus is there interceding for us.
The earthly sanctuary was a copy of the true one in heaven. Christ's entry into the heavenly sanctuary signifies the fulfillment and surpassing of the old covenant, establishing a new and eternal covenant through His sacrifice.
These lessons inspire us to appreciate the significance of Christ's heavenly ministry, trust in His intercession, and embrace the new covenant He established.
In the courts of heaven high,
Where angels sing and praises fly,
There stands our Savior, pure and just,
In Him alone, we place our trust.
Before the throne, He intercedes,
For every heart, for all our needs.
With love and grace, He pleads our case,
A beacon of hope, a saving grace.
In every trial, in every fear,
His voice is strong, His presence near.
He lifts our prayers, He knows our pain,
In Him, we find our strength again.
So let us rest in His embrace,
And trust in His unfailing grace.
For Jesus intercedes for us,
In Him, we place our faith and trust.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that You are our advocate and intercessor. You stand before the throne of God, pleading on our behalf with love and compassion. We are humbled by Your sacrifice and Your continual presence in our lives.
Help us to trust in Your intercession and to find comfort in knowing that You are always with us. Strengthen our faith and guide us in our daily walk, so that we may live in a way that honors You. Teach us to rely on Your grace and to seek Your guidance in all that we do.
Lord, we thank You for Your endless love and mercy. May we always remember that You are our mediator, bridging the gap between us and God. Fill our hearts with Your peace and joy, and help us to share Your love with others.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
IV: Jesus' Eternal Priesthood and Eternal Sacrifice
SACRIFICE OF JESUS
Hebrews 9:1-28
Second Reading | Hebrews 9:24-28
24 Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. 25 Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; 26 if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. 27 Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, 28 so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
