In this beautiful passage, we learn that while Jesus is our high priest, he is not a distant one and, in fact, he empathizes with us in our weakness and suffering. Moreover, he also understands the many ways, often unhealthy, we try to avoid our suffering, e.g., through substance use or inappropriate sexual behavior. However, Jesus is more than an empathizing high priest who understands our problems, but his life, his being, and his actions can, if we take them to heart can give us confidence of receiving his mercy and grace.
Reflect on the fact that people will come to see you as clergy or a pastoral counselor while they are hurting and what they seek most is hope that the suffering will pass and they will experience health, peace, wholeness, and the compassion of fellow humans. How does this passage speak to the deep desire of our counselees and even us as fellow suffering servants?
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