In today’s Epistle reading from Hebrews, we hear of Melchizedek, a figure introduced much earlier in Genesis. Fr. Gregory tells the story from Genesis in which Melchizedek, who is identified as both a king and a priest, appears to Abraham. After this story, Melchizedek is not spoken of again until Psalm 110, a Messianic Psalm written by King David, which says, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind; you are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
St. Paul cites this Psalm seven times, including in today’s Epistle reading. In the verses that follow this reading, St. Paul explains the connection between Christ and Melchizedek. Fr. Gregory examines this text, which shows that Melchizedek was a type, a foreshadowing, of Christ.
Fr. Gregory then returns to the Epistle reading, which concludes with the following: “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” In conclusion, Fr. Gregory emphasizes this hope that we have in Christ. He is our King and our High Priest, and he has made a path for us to draw near to God.
