Acts 1:1-11, Heb 9:24-28/ Lk 24:46-53
I want to focus on the second option of the second reading, from Hebrews.
Let's start with the phrase, "by the new and living way He opened for us through the veil." You remember that only the high priest, the descendant of Aaron, was allowed to enter through the veil into the holiest of holies in the temple. In this reading Jesus is identified as the high priest. Remember also that the Gospels report that the veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died. Now, it would seem to make sense if the veil was ripped from bottom to top that it would be a human event, but since it was ripped from top to bottom, it's a God thing.
Our author compares the veil to the flesh of Jesus. That would make our existence here and now as though we are standing in the outer court of the temple. The holiest of holies, Heaven, is waiting for us when we pass through the veil of this life.
Keep reading: "And since we have 'a great high priest over the house of God,' Let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust with our hearts sprinkled clean." The high priest sprinkled the blood of the animals that he sacrificed on the people just before he went into the holiest of holies, and we are washed clean in the blood and water that flowed from Christ's side.
Unlike the worshipers in the temple, we have been granted access to the holiest of holies by our high priest, Jesus. While we wait for the redemption of our bodies, we know, we trust, we wait, and we pray that God in His goodness will bring us home.
I remember seeing a sign in a church once that read:
"Gone to see Dad, we're fixin' up a place for you, be back to pick you up soon. Jesus."
He has ascended and gone before us, not to abandon us, but to prepare for us a place for all eternity. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
