As we draw near to the end of the Letter to the Hebrews, we read lines that remind us of other letters in the Christian Scriptures. After several chapters of doctrinal and theological writings, the writer closes with several statements of practical behaviors that we should accommodate in our lives. Today’s passage concludes by asking us to remember those who have been leaders in the Christian community and to imitate their faith.
The faith we imitate is one that practices charity, shows hospitality to a new neighbor, supports just prison reforms, honors marriage vows, and that is content with what we have been given. Our reason for doing these things is found in our faith that God will never abandon us.
God’s love, God’s strength, and God’s grace dwell within us, supplying us with the courage and ability to live in imitation of the profound faith of the many witnesses who have gone before us.
We draw inspiration from the saints of the Church – saints such as St. Agatha whom we honor today. Rather than deny her faith, she suffered martyrdom at the age of twenty. She is one of the saints who is honored by having her name included in the first Eucharistic Prayer of the Church.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews also remembers the message of Psalms 27 and 118: The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me? To have the courage and confidence to walk in Jesus’ footsteps today, let this be our prayer as well. For God is our helper, our shield, our rock, our salvation.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator