I am very happy to be at Mount Angel Abbey praying and resting after an exceptionally busy time. And Fr. Philip Waibel’s powerful homily today on Pope Francis’ teaching on creating “a culture of encounter” is coming back with me to Christ the Redeemer!
But I am more than a little disappointed that my favourite chapter of one of my favourite books in the Bible is being read on the two Sundays I am away!
I really miss preaching on Hebrews 12. However, the remarkable Dr. Mary Healy has a summary of the chapter that is better (and shorter!) than any homily I could have preached. Here it is:
The litany of heroes of faith that comprises Hebrews 11 actually culminates not with an Old Testament figure but with Jesus, “the leader and perfecter of faith” (12: 2). He is the only perfect model to imitate, the only one who has persevered in total fidelity to God and attained the glorious reward. But Jesus is not merely our example; he is also the source of our faith and the one who brings it to completion (see Phil 1: 6). By gazing on him, instead of on the obstacles that stand in our way, we press on toward the goal with singleness of purpose. The ultimate lesson of the heroes of faith, then, is to “persevere . . . while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus” (12: 1–2).
In chapter 12 Hebrews presents three images that help us to see the Christian life in true perspective.
First, our life is an endurance race in which we are striving toward the finish line, cheered on by those who have gone before us (12: 1–4).
Second, it is growth toward maturity through the discipline of a loving Father (12: 5–13), which requires our free cooperation (12: 14–17). Our sufferings have great value for training us in holiness and thus are a reason not for discouragement but for confidence in God’s love for us.
Third, our life is a joyous liturgical assembly on a holy mountain amid all the angels and saints (12: 18–24). The last image becomes the occasion for a final solemn warning, in which the author urges readers not to turn away from God and thus forfeit such a heavenly reward (12: 25–29).”
— Hebrews (Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture) by Mary Healy https://www.amazon.ca/Hebrews-Mary-Healy/dp/0801036038/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Hebrews+Healy&qid=1660521593&sr=8-1
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