Epiphany 9

Lord and Christ,

It was finished. When Moses saw the finished work that they had done according to your word, he saw a finished work and blessed them. A place for priests, a place for offerings, a place for the tabernacle, a place for worship. Utensils, garments, alters, embroidery: no detail was spared. Man had done as well as he might, according to your word.

It was finished. And how much more complete was it when the only begotten Son gave his life a ransom for many? God by his own hand had worked and brought to completion a mediation not wearing outwardly glorious linen if an ephod but the inwardly glorious linen of a shroud. He made the tomb his temple, offering a divine sacrifice by the Father’s word, the Son’s obedience and the life of the Spirit.

By this, Lord you commission us to testify to those who have not seen and yet will believe by your power, not ours. If we are despised in this life, we participate in the life of Christ. Yet, you will arise, you will raise us, you will declare holy all you have joined to your Holy One. Let us have no fear but believe and speak unto belief in your name.