Depravity in Oklahoma---The Ultimate Denigration of Catholicism; The "black mass"
By Larry Peterson
tithing
I don’t know about you, but I have never thought much about “Melchizedek. Who is he? Where did he come from? Why am I thinking and writing about him now? Well, I heard a homily recently where the priest talked about everyone’s favorite topic, tithing. First, he quoted in the New Testament from the Letter to the Hebrews, Ch 5; 6, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
When it comes to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I freely admit that of all the Eucharistic Prayers offered, I do LOVE the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) the best. The words after the consecration are specifically profound. They refer to us and our role in this heavenly drama: “We, your servants and your holy people, offer to your glorious majesty from the gifts that you have given us, this pure victim, this holy victim, this spotless victim, the holy Bread of eternal life and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.”
The offering of your high priest, Melchizedek
Are not those words simply beautiful? And then, after a few lines, “in humble prayer we ask you, almighty God command these gifts be borne by the hands of your holy angel to your altar on high—–so that all of us may be filled with every grace and heavenly blessing.—“Magnificent, even out of context. But I skipped a few lines that came between the italicized words. Specifically, “the offering of your high priest, Melchizedek—“
Father went on to say that in Chapter 14 of the Book of Genesis, (this is where Melchizedek first appears in the Bible) Abram’s nephew, Lot, was captured during the Battle of Sidim. In turn, Abram takes 318 of his best men and rescues him. Enter Melchizedek (I have just given new meaning to the word “synopsis”
The point Father was traveling to was this. After Abram won his victory, the King of Salem, Melchizedek, came out to greet Abram and gave him bread and wine. Then, being a priest of God, 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, as was the custom.
Why not 5% or 25%
As soon as Father said this, drums began beating inside my head. Amid the pounding, I started questioning myself, “WHAT! WHAT! What did he say? Did he say Abram just knew? How did he know that? How could he know that? Why was the custom 10% and not 5% or 25%?” The pounding turned into confusion.
He immediately directed us all back to the quote from the Letter to the Hebrews. He explained that since Jesus was “a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek” and Abram knew what to do, and that is why we are asked to give 10% as a tithe. Father did admit that no one really knows who Melchizedek was or where he actually came from. Salem could have referred to the future Jerusalem or Zion or to a tabernacle; there is much speculation. Confusion filled my head.
Jesus is a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek
I am far from being a theologian, so I assume this is solid Catholic teaching. Jesus is identified as a “priest forever in the line of Melchizedek” He takes the role of High Priest once and for all. This I will not question even though I really do not understand it. But I posted this because this is predominantly Catholic teaching and I am hoping for some simple input regarding the tithing business. I am also hoping this draws a few smiles because, to me, it is somewhat humorous.
Father finished by saying, “All priests follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Therefore, we have the right to request money from you, and you have an obligation to give it.”
He said it and I heard it. I smiled, shook my head and knew what I would do. I would try to put more ‘tithe’ in the following week’s envelope. Good job, Father. I received the message, and I shall try. But---no guarantees.
copyrightLarryPeterson 2023