By Jenelyn Avisado
On May 23, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest.
Our faith teaches us that Jesus, the Eternal High Priest, belongs to the order of Melchizedek. As mediator between God and man, Jesus offered his life for man’s redemption from sin and death. On this feast, we are reminded of Christ’s salvific role through his sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus’ priesthood signifies a perfect mediation between God and humanity. In ancient Israel, high priests served as intermediaries, offering sacrifices for the people's sins. These sacrifices, however, were imperfect and needed repetition. In contrast, Christ, by offering Himself as a once-and-for-all sacrifice, achieved what the Levitical priesthood could not—complete atonement and reconciliation with God. Jesus’ role as eternal high priest redefines the nature of our access to God. His role in salvation, His ongoing intercession, the accessibility of God's presence, and His divine nature are the products of this role.
How do we see Christ as the Eternal High Priest? Are we drawn to the Sacrament of the Mass to receive Him?
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