by Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort for OnScripture
"Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people." – Hebrews 5:1-3
"Hebrews 5:1-10 invites us to consider an alternative vision of leadership in Christ, the High Priest. Instead of power, the writer describes Jesus’ service in terms of compassion and mercy, even citing weakness as the source of his efficacy as high priest. Even though he was a Son, "he learned obedience through what he suffered."
The video from OnScripture describes the story of Magdalene . Magdalene is a residential program in Nashville that helps women who have survived lives of violence and prostitution. Through a related organization Thistle Farms they provide a 2 year residential program and advocacy services for up to 700 women year. The women are employed in diverse enterprises- cafe, paper and sewing studio, and global marketplace. An excerpt of the article with a video following:
"The emotional, physical, and spiritual violence that we inflict on one other is a sign that something is amiss in our world. The statistics from the World Health Organization on sex work and disease , paint the terrible truth that sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse are on the rise across the globe. The sex and drug industry “will tear up women and use them ‘til they throw them out” as Rev. Rebecca Stevens, Executive Director of Magdalene Ministries. Magdalene is a recovery program in Nashville, Tennessee for women who have histories of substance abuse and prostitution. Stevens has helped countless women get off the streets and put their lives back together. Yet there are so many more in need. It is clear that something is persistently bent on the annihilation of our bodies and souls. What can we say or do?"