He did not take the angels with his hand

Since the children are made of flesh and blood... Jesus likewise took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death...He did not take angels by the hand, but people like us, children of Abraham. Hebrews 2: 14,16 (Dave's paraphrase)

In the Scripture readings for Mass we are working through the Letter to the Hebrews. What a great book of the New Testament! In chapter two, we have the verses I shared above. In verse 16 we read in the NAB, " Surely he did not help angels..." The original text says literally, "he did not take angels with his hand."

St John Chrysostom in teaching on this verse says, "What does he mean by 'take with his hand';...this verb has to do with those who are in pursuit of their enemies and are doing all they can to catch those who are in flight from them and to seize those who resist. In other words, humankind had fled from him...That is why he came in pursuit of us and 'seized us for himself'. The Apostle makes clear that he did all this entirely out of love for humanity, in his charity and solicitude for us" (Homily on Hebrews, 2)

Wow! To me this is such an incredible revelation of God's love for humanity. He pursues us, even though we were his enemies (Ephesians 2:12 tell us we were separated and far from him). God sends his Son, Jesus, becoming fully human, dying to deal with our problem, our separation and rebellion against him. He pursues us in love - you, me, everyone. He longs for all to know Him, to be reconciled to the Father, to live as men and women fully alive who know the Lord has bestowed such dignity upon us that He would become one like us! In him we are sons and daughters of God.

And the basis of this relationship is not what we have done but what he has done. What he initiated out of love to bring us back to himself. Becoming one like us in every way but sin. And taking us by the hand not to punish, but to lead us into fullness of life and love that is found in our Father!

If you haven't ever asked Jesus to lead you, to take you by the hand - ask Him now.

Simply pray and invite him to.

And if you are already in relationship with God, living as a Christian, take a moment and pray and ask him who you should pray for, that Jesus might take them by the hand and bring them into fullness of life.

May we as his people, the Church, be filled with gratitude and praise for our Father's love, and may we overflow with intercession and joy in telling others of his love for us.

Jesus take us by the hand and lead us to the Father. May we make known your love to all. Praise and honor to you most gracious and merciful God!