Thursday 29^th January – Thursday of Week 3 of the Year

Reflection: Hebrews 10:19-25

THE MOST HOLY PLACE

The Most Holy Place was first referred to in the scriptures in Exodus 26:33 when the Lord told Moses to place a curtain to separate the “Holy Place” where the altar is placed for offering sacrifices by Aaron and his sons for the Israelites from the “Most Holy Place” or “Holy of holies” where the Ark of the Covenant of God was to be placed. The Holy of Holies was out of reach to the people, with only the high priest going in once a year to make a sacrifice on behalf of the people.

This practice remained till the time of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist who was visited by the Angel Gabriel while offering sacrifice in the Holy Place (Luke 1:9-10). The Jews had deep reverence and honour for the temple and the Holy place. It was a place where sins are forgiven (1 Chronicles 28:11); a place where the Lord promised King Solomon that he would watch over and protect Israel for all time (2 Chronicles 7:15-16).

Beloved, the death of our Lord has granted us access into the most Holy Place of God. Christ’s sacrificial body which was offered for us is the “curtain” through which we have been given free access to a life of grace and truth (Hebrews 10:20). At Christ’s death, the curtain which separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place was torn in two, symbolising God’s invitation to come to Him freely through the body of Christ. (Luke 23:45). Hence, God beckons on you and I to approach Him through Christ’s body – the Holy Eucharist with a pure heart and a sure faith. We would only see him with a pure heart (Matthew 5:8). Let us not misuse the privilege which even the priests of old did not have. In the Eucharist, we encounter God who is our refuge in the midst of this evil world. Why run around for help when God lives with us in the Blessed Sacrament? Seek a deeper relationship with God by a firm determination to frequently visit God in his Most Holy Place where you will find mercy and grace.

Holiness of life can only be achieved by living in God’s presence. This was the only request of David the Psalmist: “I have ask the Lord for one; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance” (Psalm 27:4). Let us go out today and embrace the gift of the God to his Holy Church.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please purify my heart by the fire of your love and make me thirst for your presence all the days of my life. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 218: What is the right way to honor the Lord present in the bread and wine?

Because God is truly present in the consecrated species of bread and wine, we must preserve the sacred gifts with the greatest reverence and worship our Lord and Redeemer in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Do not banish me away from your presence; do not take the Holy Spirit away from me” Psalm 51:11 GNB

Readings for Today: Hebrews 10: 19-25; Psalm 24:1-6; Mark 4:21-25