From the days of the cave men and in every culture there are have priests, those who were set aside to handle sacred things. People were aware of the gap between the gods and themselves so they needed mediators, those set apart, who knew how to deal with the holy. The rest of us are too unworthy to have a direct connection with God. In the Epistle to the Hebrews Jesus is called the great, high priest. But his priesthood is of a different sort. Instead of being set apart, he is the one who can join the holy and the profane, who unites God and humanity. We do not have a high priestwho is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. We now, all of us, have direct access to God. That is why at our baptism each of us is consecrated as a priest.
