The daily Mass readings have been coming from the Letter to the Hebrews. It's an epistle that I admittedly haven't read much... and I've been missing out!
The first reading at Mass last Friday was from Hebrews 10. The feel of the chapter is exhorting and encouraging--the author is trying to remind the Christian community to hold on to their faith in Jesus. Don't go back to your old ways; continue pursuing Him Who IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life! That's a good reminder for Christians of any age. Embracing the faith requires turning away from sin; no matter how much we devote ourselves to the faith, temptation to turn away from it will never cease.
As the first reading progressed, I heard what immediately became one of my favorite verses in Scripture: "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised." (Heb 10:35-36) Actually, it was relieving to hear. We don't have to do it on our own, and we're not expected to! We need (=can't get by, are unable on our own, etc.) endurance, we need grace.
On one hand, this shouldn't be a surprise. It's a "first principle" of faith and belief in God. Since the beginning of time, God is the one making the first move toward us. On the other hand, if we get too wrapped up in the things of the world, our relationship with God and the faith can fall out of focus. The author of Hebrews is trying to restore their focus on Jesus and the faith; may God grant us all the grace of focusing on living and doing His will!
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