“The law appoints men subject to weakness”

This phrase from today’s first reading (Hebrews 7:25-8:6) resonates in very special ways on this day: two days after an historic transfer of earthly power in Washington, DC, and 26 years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared that women have a “right” to kill their own children in the womb.

As citizens, subject ourselves to weakness, we have an obligation to do whatever we can to help make up for the weaknesses of those in high earthly office: pushing politically for what is true and for the rights of the defenseless, working practically for the aid of those tempted by abortion, et cetera.

As Christians we have an obligation to be especially mindful of our own weaknesses and to beg the mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our all-perfect and all-powerful High Priest: “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens.”