Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ - Cycle C

“You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110

Who?

Melchizedek is a fascinating figure and because he only shows up once in all of the Bible, and only for three verses in Genesis. 

The story goes that Abraham had heard his nephew Lot has been captured in a battle between local rival kings. So, Abraham recruits 318 members of his own household, chases them down, and defeats them, recovering Lot and all his possessions. The allied kings who had originally been defeated come to greet Abraham. And then:

Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest of God Most High. He blessed Abram with these words: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your foes into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. - Genesis 14:18-20.

And that’s it.

Melchizedek is only ever referenced again in this Psalm and in Hebrews (chapters 5-7), but nothing further is known about him, where he came from, and why this happened.

He is described as a priest of God, hundreds of years before the priesthood was established by God through Moses. As a result, there came to be this idea of a legendary lineage of ancient priests associated with the name Melchizedek.

The name Melchizedek literally means “My King Is Righteousness.” He was king of Salem, meaning “peace” (like shalom), which many believe to be an early name for Jerusalem, the eventual site of the temple, the priesthood and where the culmination of Jesus ministry would take place.

Jesus is referred to by the author of Hebrews as being a “high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:20).

Why is all of this important? 

God is playing the long game, and this is one of hundreds of examples that remind us that He knows exactly what He is doing and He has an incredible plan for our lives. 

2000 years before Jesus becomes man, a forerunner of Jesus brings gifts of bread and wine, foreshadowing the blessing and gift of the Eucharist. Jesus — our high priest, prophet, and king of kings— is prefigured by a king of Jerusalem presenting a priestly offering and speaking prophetic words of blessing. 

This is no coincidence. 

God is constantly planting seeds, showing us signs, and revealing Himself to us so that we can be assured that His grace is at work. His plans have been laid since the beginning of time, intricately interwoven and coming to fruition over the span of centuries. We cannot come up with anything close to that on our own, and yet we tend to listen to our own desires, plans, and wants instead of God’s.

This week, be reminded that you have a God who loves you so much, He was already working for your good thousands of years before you were born. You can trust Him. You can let go of control. You can rely on Him and His divine providence. He will always provide when you pursue Him in faith and let go of your desires and plans and pursue the far greater ones He has for you.

Every day this week, pray this prayer honestly and wholeheartedly:

“Jesus, I trust in you.”

That prayer alone, when authentically prayed, can change everything.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt