More on the Mass

Hebrews 7:15-17
And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (NIV)
Jesus was never ordained a priest of the Jewish Faith.   He did not belong to the tribe of Aaron so his blood line did not allow him to become a Jewish priest.    The quote from St Paul then is to justify the title they were giving to Jesus as a priest who had offered himself and was calling others to do likewise who were not of that blood line.   But who is this Melchizedek?
We have to go back to Genesis to find him.   A great battle had been fought, four kings against 5 in the land where Abram, later Abraham, In the land occupied by Abram's son Lot.   Although Abram was not involved his son Lot, his goods, and his women and servants were taken as captives.   Abram raised an army to rescue them and was accompanied by Melchizedek, King of Salem.   He rescued his son from the enemy with his good and women and servants.   Abraham promised him a tenth of all his spoils of the battle.   Now this Melchizedek was not a Jew yet he was described as a Priest of the Most High God.   In Genesis 14:17 we read that this priest who  believed in the One God took out bread and wine to offer as sacrifice.   Remember that the Sacrifices of animals were always consumed afterwards.   So bread and wine was consumed.   So it was fitting the Jesus would at the last Supper offer bread and wine as his Body and Blood according to the order of Melchizedek.   And although not ordained Melchizeked was indeed accepted as a Priest of the Most High God because of his reputation in goodness.  Likewise Priest today at their ordination are told "You are a high priest according to the Order of Melchizedek, for they too would offer bread and wine.


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