5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you’;
6as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus* offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
If every Sunday is a remembering and celebration of Easter, than every Friday is a reminder of the cross that makes possible the celebration. In high school, my Roman Catholic friends would not eat meat during Lent. When I would be giving things up for a whole 40 days, I felt more righteous than those who just did something for a day. It wasn’t until recently I understood this fact: Friday represents and reminds us of Good Friday—a day in which our salvation takes root.
My high school friends’ witness was not about piety, denial, or sacrifice, it was about obedience. As Christ was obedient, he became the faithful one. As we become obedient, we echo God’s salvific work in our lives. Giving up during Lent is not about our giving up, so much as it is taking on Christ’s obedience to love and serve God and others. The challenge for us is knowing what it means to love and serve God and neighbor.
On this Friday or at some point this weekend, ask yourself where God is calling you to be obedient, not to those on this earth, but to our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Friend.
Prayer: God of obedience, teach us your precepts and instruct us in the ways that lead to your salvation. Amen.