33rd Day of Lent

Friday, April 11, 2025

Hebrews 2:10-18, NRSV

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’ And again ‘I will put my trust in him.’ And again, ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given me.’

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Reflection - Pastor Laurie Pfahler, Royersford United Methodist Church

God is all about relationships - - faithful, loving relationships. And through Jesus Christ, we have gotten to know God better! It always helps to make the effort to get to know someone, doesn’t it? When we find things in common, walls come down. When we know someone has some experience in what we celebrate or suffer, a connection is made. God Incarnate came to us and SHOWED us his love and grace by letting us see and experience him as both fully human and fully divine. He suffered, hungered, thirsted, cried, smiled, tired, slept, prayed, and died just like we do. When others can relate to what we go through, they are more able to understand and feed us the food we need; heal us as we need to be healed; and love us as we need to be loved. Jesus gave us a new commandment to love each other as Jesus loves us. So, to truly love others, what do we need to do? We need to relate to others; make every effort to understand and listen to others; go to where others are in their suffering so that we can truly be the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and heart of Christ.

Prayer: Merciful and compassionate God, help us to step out of our human comfort and into a place of loving relationship with you as God the Son and each other. Help us to listen you and others as Christ listens to us in love, justice, and mercy. And by these requests, may we be more like Jesus. In his name we pray, Amen.