About this Sunday: While this Sunday is Reformation Day, we are using the readings from the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost in order to keep with the theme of the Lamb. The readings, however, are very good readings for the celebration of the Reformation – especially since the Priesthood of Jesus figured heavily into the original Reformation arguments of Jesus. As we look at these readings, we see Jesus restoring (reforming) His Church from its blindness through reminding us of His priesthood and centrality.

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV)