Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
FRIDAY, May 22
Hebrews 4:14-5:6. We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God...not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.
The role of a priest is to represent the people to God and to represent God to the people. Through the priest, the people approach the throne of God and offer themselves to God--their fears, dreams, regrets, joys, everything the people have and are. Then, again through the priest, God accepts the people's offerings, opens his arms, and embraces the people.
In the churches of the Catholic tradition, a human being standing at the altar is called the "priest." This person is a visible stand-in for the real priest. Jesus Christ is, and only he could be, the real priest. As a human being "who in every respect has been tempted as we are," he has fully experienced human life and sympathizes with our weakness. Because he is one of us, he knows what he presents on our behalf before the throne of God. And because he is also the perfect and sinless Son of God, he speaks God's word of healing and forgiveness with an authority no one can revoke.
PRAY for the Diocese of Tasmania (Australia)
Ps 85, 86 * 91, 92; Ezekiel 1:28-3:3; Luke 9:28-36
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