Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Good Friday - Year B

Hebrews 10:16-25 and Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Whether following the United Methodist or Roman Catholic pericope, we have to deal with a reinstitution of a high priesthood as the only vehicle through which we can access G*D’s mercy. For some reason or other mercy cannot be mercy on its own, but only if earned by someone or another.

Mercy is understood to break all the rules for the presence of G*D. Mercy provokes us to additional acts of mercy. Against mercy there are no limitations other than our proclivity to ration and control a G*D careening out of control and being merciful beyond our capacity.

If Jesus can sympathize with weakness, there is no one who will be left out. Jesus learned this from a pagan, Melchizedek, a Syrophenician woman, unnamed, and each and every prophet. Whether we learn mercy from outside or inside a religious tradition, let us affirm our hope, participate in love and good deeds, encourage one another, and identify with those left out.