Daily reflections

Hebrews was written at a time of persecution, and contains many references to remaining faithful. We're responsible for our own discipleship, but the writer also encourages us to 'help one another every day' (verse 13). We...

The first part of Hebrews 4 is a reflection on the Sabbath in the context of remaining faithful to the gospel. 'Rest' is a reward or consequence of faithfulness. In verse 12, though, the writer seems to take a sharp turn, perhaps...

In this chapter the author continues his reflections on Jesus as the Great High Priest. He is uniquely himself, rather than standing in the succession of priests descending from Aaron (verse 10); and unlike other high priests...

The opening words of this chapter are very striking. Writing in a time of persecution, the author is keen to stress the need to hold fast to the truth. He even says it's impossible for those who abandon the faith after receiving...

As we read this chapter, it might help to remind ourselves of the title of the book – it's the letter to the Hebrews. In other words, it's aimed at Jewish Christians deeply immersed in what we call the Old Testament. They...

The author continues his reflection on Jesus' fulfilling of the covenant God made with Israel. The work of priests, he says, is 'really only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven'. Jesus, though, is a priest in heaven: 'He...

In Hebrews 9, the author continues to reflect on how Christ fulfils the Old Testament sacrificial system. Under the law of Moses, many sacrifices were made; Christ was sacrificed just once. The priests entered the Most Holy...

In 1999, film director Baz Lurhmann topped the charts with 'Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen': a spoken word performance, setting Mary Schmich’s article to music. The article, a mock graduation speech, is addressed...

We're in another wisdom psalm today, and this time the lesson is about how you relate to God. In short, the wisdom is: with gratitude!