Daily Mass Homily: Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

            Today we are introduced to the first priest in the entire Bible, Melchizedek.  This mysterious figure is very important as we learn that Jesus Himself was a priest “in the order of Melchizedek.”  So, too, are all ordained priests to this day.

            The great prophet Abraham offered Melchizedek a few gifts which are essential for us to consider.  First, he gives him bread and wine.  And where do we see bread and wine today?  Only at the most important event of all of our lives—Mass!  This is one of the first signs of the Eucharist in the Old Testament.  In the Mass, you offer to God not only your money, but also symbolically the bread, wine and your own intentions as the gifts are presented.  The priest then offers up this bread and wine for the greatest event ever.

            Second, Abraham gives this priest a tenth of all he had.  This is where we first learn about the tithe—giving God ten percent of our time, talent and treasures.  Did you know that the average Catholic gives 1%?  Imagine what our parish, diocese and Church could do if we, like Abraham, gave God the first tenth. 

            We praise God for sending His son as the priest in the order of Melchizedek.  We pray that we may be generous as Abraham was to give God the best of our time, talent and treasure.