As Christians, we have a divine calling, and God gives us a life on earth to understand it and
respond to it in faith. Today we journey with the converted Jews in the book of Hebrews as
they are coached on how to respond to this calling. Then we will consider the words of Jesus
as he calls us to, “Gird our loins,” to prepare for the master’s arrival.
The USCCB calls these pages of Hebrews, “Among the most eloquent and lofty to be found
in the Bible.” The author, who may be Saint Paul, describes the persecution of these
converts to Christianity in the previous chapter saying, “Remember the days past when,
after you had been enlightened, you endured a great contest of suffering. At times you
were publicly exposed to abuse and affliction. You even joined in the suffering of those in
prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you had a
better and lasting possession.”