Jesus Christ is our able and eternal High Priest.

You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

"Brothers and sisters: Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people.

"No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him:

"You are my Son: this day I have begotten you;

"just as he says in another place,

"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

"In the days when he was in the Flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." (Hebrews 5: 1 - 10).

Monday 16th January of the 2nd week of Ordinary Time.

The 1st Reading today from Hebrews 5: 1 - 10 gives me the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the 91st Birthday anniversary of a great friend, priest, teacher, mentor and intercessor. His name is Ugo R of the Society of Jesus. His birthday is today, Monday January 16th.

What do I remember most about him? The over 20 years when his vocation and ministry appeared like  a roller-coaster so to speak. His love for people and sensitivity to Social Justice got him into trouble after trouble with his religious superiors and government after government in countries where he was a missionary. Ugo never quit the priesthood. Like the biblical Job, at the end of about 20 years, it pleased the Lord to restore him. And what a restoration!

At 91 years, Ugo is healthy and active in a number of ministries the Lord has bestowed on him.
I remind Ugo that St Anthony the Great or Anthony the Abbot did not die till he was 105 years. Moses lived till 120.
Happy Birthday to you Ugo. 🎂🌿🙏❤️

Almighty ever-living God,
who govern all things,
both in heaven and on earth,
mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times. Through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Able and Eternal High Priest. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @. SeekFirstcommunity.com