Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
Today’s verse describes how Jesus accepted God’s calling and was transformed by the decision. While God designated Jesus for the role he played in Christian history, the plan would not have been fulfilled without Jesus’ obedience and willingness to suffer. It has been difficult for me to be obedient in the same way since the calling from God has never been very clear, but I continue to strive to be such a disciple.
One day last year, I saw a flyer for the Service Inquiry Program offered by the college’s campus ministries. I hadn’t considered the program until that moment, which happened to be the deadline for applications. I quickly pulled together my information, thinking, who knows, maybe something good will happen. Soon after that, I began feeling a calling to live in an intentional Christian community. I wanted to try living more in a way that made faith a concrete part of everything I did and in a community dependent upon each other. Upon being selected for the program, I realized that I could make this calling come alive through this opportunity that, I’m convinced, God opened up for me. So, I found a Catholic Worker house in Mexico (Casa Colibri), and made plans to spend the summer there.
But upon making the decision, I struggled with anxiety from the reports of drug violence in the region of Mexico I was headed, as well as thoughts of kidnappings and extortion. However, I felt this experience was a calling and remained committed to going.
To make a long story short, I spent the summer without any signs of danger, and my experience at Casa Colibri showed me a radical way to live according to Jesus’ message. And I found that being obedient to God’s calling allowed me to see Jesus anew.
Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.