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Reflection on the Gospel – Thursday, June 12, 2025
In ancient religions—and still today in the minds of many religious people, even Christians—the priest is seen as the mediator between God and people. The idea is that this role is necessary because God’s presence, being all-powerful and all-knowing, is both saving and somewhat threatening. In those religions, people connect with God mainly in the temple. And only priests are allowed into the most sacred area—where God’s presence is believed to dwell. Regular people weren’t allowed in, because being close to the Holy One was seen as dangerous, especially if you weren’t “pure” enough.
But with Jesus, everything changes. Jesus wasn’t a man of the temple. In fact, when he went to the Temple in Jerusalem, it was to challenge and criticize it. With Jesus, God becomes present not just in holy places, but in everyday life—in the streets, in villages, wherever people were, especially those suffering from illness or injustice. Jesus brings God into the world—he takes God out of the temple. With him, God’s presence is no longer something scary—it’s full of love. God is a Father, a “Dad,” who cares for us, respects our freedom, and invites us to grow in responsibility. And he gives us a dream to live for: the Kingdom of justice and fraternity.
We don’t need a mediator to protect us from a God who might punish us forever. Jesus becomes nourishment for our lives. In Jesus, we are united with God himself—with the Father—and with his plan for us: the Kingdom.
That’s why the Mass, the Eucharist, becomes the greatest sign of this new community of God’s sons and daughters. It’s a place where no one is left out, where the doors are open to all—because God’s love is for everyone, with no exceptions.
Jesus Christ is the priest—the true and final one. He gathers the community of God’s children, sets us free from sin, and invites us to join him in building the Kingdom. All of us together. All of us loved by God.