
{1}1{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}God has spoken in the past to our ancestors through the 
prophets, in many different ways, although never completely; 
[=]_[*]_{R}_{I}2_{/}but in our times he has spoken definitively to us 
through his Son.
He is the one God appointed heir of all things, since through him 
he unfolded the stages of the world.
[=]_{R}_{I}3_{/}He is the radiance of God's Glory and bears the stamp of 
God's hidden being, so that his powerful word upholds the 
universe. And after taking away sin, he took his place at the 
right hand of the divine Majesty in heaven.
[=]_{I}4_{/}So he is now far superior to angels just as the name he 
received sets him apart from them. [=]_[*]_{R}_{I}5_{/}To what angel did 
God say: You are my son, I have begotten you today? and to what 
angel did he promise: I shall be a father to him and he will be a 
son to me? [=]_{R}_{I}6_{/}On sending his Firstborn to the world, God 
says: Let all the angels adore him. [=]_{R}_{I}7_{/}Whereas about angels 
we find words like these: God sends the angels like wind, makes 
his servants flames of fire. [=]_{R}_{I}8_{/}But of the Son we read this: 
Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a rule of justice 
is your rule. {R}_{I}9_{/}You loved righteousness and hated wickedness; 
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of 
gladness, above your fellow kings.
[=]_{I}10_{/}And also these words: Lord, in the beginning you placed 
the earth on its foundation and the heavens are the work of your 
hands. {I}11_{/}They will disappear, but you remain. They will be for 
you like an old garment; {I}12_{/}you will fold them like a cloak and 
change them. You, on the contrary, are always the same and your 
years will never end.
[=]_{R}_{I}13_{/}God never said to any of his angels: Sit here at my 
right side until I put your enemies as a footstool under your 
feet. [=]_{R}_{I}14_{/}For all these spirits are only servants, and God 
sends them to help those who shall be saved.

{1}2{/}

[\u0095]_{I}1_{/}So we must pay the closest attention to the preaching we 
heard, lest we drift away. [=]_{R}_{I}2_{/}If words spoken through angels 
became law and all disobedience or neglect received its due 
reward, {I}3_{/}how could we now escape if we neglect such powerful 
salvation? For the Lord himself announced it first and it was 
later confirmed by those who heard it. [=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}God confirmed 
their testimony by signs, wonders and miracles of every kind - 
especially by the gifts of the Holy Spirit which he distributed 
according to his will.
[=]_{I}5_{/}The angels were not given dominion over the new world of 
which we are speaking. [=]_{R}_{I}6_{/}Instead someone declared in 
Scripture: What is man, that you should be mindful of him, what is 
the son of man that you should care for him? {I}7_{/}For a while you 
placed him a little lower than the angels, but you crowned him 
with glory and honor. [=]_{R}_{I}8_{/}You have given him dominion over 
all things.
When it is said that God gave him dominion over all things, 
nothing is excluded. As it is, we do not yet see his dominion over 
all things. [=]_{R}_{I}9_{/}But Jesus who suffered death and for a little 
while was placed lower than the angels has been crowned with honor 
and glory. For the merciful plan of God demanded that he 
experience death on behalf of everyone.
[=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}God, from whom all come and by whom all things exist, 
wanted to bring many children to glory, and he thought it fitting 
to make perfect through suffering the initiator of their 
salvation. {I}11_{/}So he who gives and those who receive holiness are 
one. He himself is not ashamed of calling us brothers and sisters, 
[=]_{I}12_{/}as we read: Lord, I will proclaim your name to my 
brothers; I will praise you in the congregation. [=]_{R}_{I}13_{/}He also 
says: I will trust in God; here I am and the children God has 
given me. {R}_{I}14_{/}And because all those children share one same 
nature of flesh and blood, Jesus likewise had to share this 
nature. This is why his death destroyed the one holding the power 
of death, that is the devil, [=]_{R}_{I}15_{/}and freed those who 
remained in bondage all their lifetime because of the fear of 
death.
{R}_{I}16_{/}Jesus came to take by the hand not the angels but the human 
race. [=]_{R}_{I}17_{/}So he had to be like his brothers and sisters in 
every respect, in order to be the High Priest faithful to God and 
merciful to them, a priest able to ask pardon and atone for their 
sins. {I}18_{/}Having been tested through suffering, he is able to 
help those who are tested.

{N}CHRIST CAME AS THE NEW MOSES{/}

{1}3{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}Therefore, holy brothers, called to a supernatural 
vocation, consider Jesus, the apostle and High Priest of our 
faith.
[=]_{R}_{I}2_{/}He is faithful to God who appointed him, just as Moses 
was a faithful steward over God's household [=]_{R}_{I}3_{/}but Jesus 
deserves much greater honor than Moses, since he who builds the 
house is greater than the house. {R}_{I}4_{/}As every house has a 
builder, God is the builder of all. {R}_{I}5_{/}It is said that Moses was 
found faithful as a servant of God over all his household, and as 
witness of a former revelation from God. [=]_{I}6_{/}Christ came as 
the Son, to whom the house belongs; and we are his household, 
provided that we stand firm in hope and courage.
{R}_{I}7_{/}Listen to what the Holy Spirit says: If only you would hear 
God's voice today! [=]_{I}8_{/}Do not be stubborn, as they were in the 
place called Rebellion, {R}_{I}9_{/}when your ancestors challenged me in 
the desert, although they had seen my deeds {I}10_{/}for forty years. 
That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts 
are always going astray and they do not understand my ways. {I}11_{/}I 
was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter my rest.
{R}_{I}12_{/}So, brothers, be careful lest some of you come to have an 
evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 
[=]_{I}13_{/}Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is 
called today. Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of 
sin. [=]_{I}14_{/}We are associated with Christ provided we hold 
steadfastly to our initial hope until the end.
{R}_{I}15_{/}Scripture says: If you hear God's voice, do not be stubborn 
as they were in the place called Rebellion. {R}_{I}16_{/}Who are those 
who having heard still rebelled? They were all those who came out 
of Egypt with Moses. [=]_{R}_{I}17_{/}With whom was God angry for forty 
years? With those who sinned and whose bodies fell in the desert. 
{R}_{I}18_{/}To whom did God swear that they would not enter into his 
rest? To those who had disobeyed. {I}19_{/}We see then that unbelief 
prevented them from reaching their rest.

{1}4{/}

{R}_{I}1_{/}Therefore let us fear while we are invited to enter the rest 
of God, lest any of you be left behind. {I}2_{/}We have been invited 
like them. But the message they heard did not benefit them because 
they did not hold to this belief. {R}_{I}3_{/}We are now to enter this 
rest because we believed, as it was said: I was angry and made a 
solemn vow: they will never enter my rest - that is the rest of 
God after he created the world. [=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}In another part it was 
said about the seventh day: And God rested on the seventh day from 
all his works. {I}5_{/} But now it is said: They will not enter my 
rest.  {R}_{I}6_{/}We must conclude that some will enter the rest of God 
and that those who first received the good news did not, because 
of their disobedience. {R}_{I}7_{/}Yet God again assigns a day when he 
says: today, and declares through David many years later: If you 
hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn.
[=]_{R}_{I}8_{/}So it was not Joshua who let them enter the land of rest; 
otherwise God would not have assigned another day later on. 
{R}_{I}9_{/}Then some other rest, or sabbath, is reserved for the people 
of God. [=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}For those who enter this rest of God rest from 
all their works as God rests from his work.
{I}11_{/}Let us strive, then, to enter the rest and not to share the 
misfortune of those who disobeyed. [=]_{R}_{I}12_{/}For the word of God 
is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It 
pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, 
and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart. [=]_{I}13_{/}All 
creation is transparent to Him; everything is uncovered and laid 
bare to the eyes of Him to whom we render account.

{N}CHRIST IS OUR HIGH PRIEST{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}14_{/}We have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who 
has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we 
profess. {R}_{I}15_{/}Our high priest is not indifferent to our 
weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet 
without sinning. [=]_{R}_{I}16_{/}Let us, then, with confidence approach 
God, the giver of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his 
favor, help in due time.

{1}5{/}

[=]_{R}_{I}1_{/}Every High Priest is taken from among mortals and 
appointed to be their representative before God to offer gifts and 
sacrifices for sin. {I}2_{/}He is able to understand the ignorant and 
erring for he himself is subject to weakness. [=]_{I}3_{/}This is why 
he is bound to offer sacrifices for his sins as well as for the 
sins of the people. [=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}Besides, one does not presume to take 
this dignity, but takes it only when called by God, as Aaron was.
[=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}Nor did Christ become High Priest in taking upon himself 
this dignity, but it was given to him by the One who says: You are 
my son, I have begotten you today. [=]_{I}6_{/}And in another place: 
You are a priest forever in the priestly order of Melchizedek.
{R}_{I}7_{/}Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice 
with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from 
death, and he was heard because of his humble submission. 
{I}8_{/}Although he was Son, he learned through suffering what 
obedience was, [=]_{I}9_{/}and once made perfect, he became the source 
of eternal salvation for those who obey him. {R}_{I}10_{/}This is how God 
proclaimed him Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

{N}YOU SHOULD BE TEACHERS{/}

[\u0095]_{I}11_{/}About this we have much to say, but it is difficult to 
explain, for you have become dull in understanding. {R}_{I}12_{/}You 
should be teachers by this time, but in fact you need to be taught 
again the basic elements of God's teaching. You need milk, not 
solid food. {I}13_{/}Those fed with milk are still infants: this 
refers to those who have not been tested in the way of 
righteousness. [=]_{I}14_{/}Solid food is for adults who have trained 
themselves to distinguish good from evil.

{1}6{/}

{R}_{I}1_{/}Therefore let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ 
and move forward to a more advanced knowledge without laying again 
the foundation, that is: turning away from dead works, faith in 
God, {R}_{I}2_{/}the teaching about baptisms and laying on of hands, the 
resurrection of the dead and the final judgment. {R}_{I}3_{/}This is what 
we shall do, God permitting.
[=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}In any case, it would be impossible to renew again 
through penance those who have once been enlightened and have 
tasted the heavenly gift and received the Holy Spirit, 
[=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}tasted the beauty of the word of God and the wonders of 
the supernatural world. {R}_{I}6_{/}If in spite of this they have ceased 
to believe and have fallen away, it is impossible to move them a 
second time to repentance when they are crucifying, on their own 
account, the Son of God, and spurning him publicly. {R}_{I}7_{/}Soil that 
drinks the rain falling continually on it and produces profitable 
grass for those who till it, receives the blessings of God, 
{I}8_{/}but the soil that produces thorns and bushes is poor soil and 
in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

{N}REMAIN FIRM IN OUR HOPE{/}

{I}9_{/}Yet even though we speak like this, we are more optimistic, 
dear friends, regarding you and your salvation. {R}_{I}10_{/}God is not 
unjust and will not forget everything you have done for love of 
his name; you have helped and still help the believers. {I}11_{/}We 
desire each of you to have, until the end, the same zeal for 
reaching what you have hoped for. {R}_{I}12_{/}Do not grow careless but 
imitate those who, by their faith and determination, inherit the 
promise.
{R}_{I}13_{/}Remember God's promise to Abraham. God wanted to confirm it 
with an oath and, as no one is higher than God, [=]_{I}14_{/}he swore 
by himself: I shall bless you and give you many descendants. 
[=]_{R}_{I}15_{/}By just patiently waiting, Abraham obtained the promise.
{I}16_{/}People are used to swearing by someone higher than themselves 
and their oath affirms everything that could be denied. {R}_{I}17_{/}So 
God committed himself with an oath in order to convince those who 
were to wait for his promise that he would never change his mind. 
[=]_{R}_{I}18_{/}Thus we have two certainties in which it is impossible 
that God be proved false: promise and oath. That is enough to 
encourage us strongly when we leave everything to hold to the hope 
set before us. [=]_{R}_{I}19_{/}This hope is like a spiritual anchor, 
secure and firm, thrust beyond the curtain of the Temple into the 
sanctuary itself, {R}_{I}20_{/}where Jesus has entered ahead of us - 
Jesus, High Priest for ever in the order of Melchizedek.

{N}MELCHIZEDEK, A FIGURE OF CHRIST{/}

{1}7{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}Scripture says that Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of 
the Most High God, came out to meet Abraham who returned from 
defeating the kings. He blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him a 
tenth of everything.
{R}_{I}2_{/}Let us note that the name Melchizedek means King of Justice, 
and that king of Salem means king of Peace. [=]_{R}_{I}3_{/}There is no 
mention of father, mother or genealogy; nothing is said about the 
beginning or the end of his life. In this he is the figure of the 
Son of God, the priest who remains forever.
{R}_{I}4_{/}See then how great Melchizedek was. Even Abraham gave him a 
tenth of the spoils! [=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}When the descendants of Levi are 
consecrated priests, they are commanded to collect tithes from 
their people, that is from their kindred, who are too, are 
descendants of Abraham. {R}_{I}6_{/}Here, however, Melchizedek, who does 
not belong to the family of the Levites, is given tithes from 
Abraham. Still more, he blesses him, the man of God's promise. 
{I}7_{/}There is no doubt that he who blesses is higher than the one 
who is blessed. {I}8_{/}In the first case we see that tithes are 
received by those who are mortals; here instead, Melchizedek is 
mentioned as one who lives on.
{R}_{I}9_{/}When Abraham pays the tenth, it is, so to speak, the Levites, 
receivers of the tithes, who pay the tithe, [=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}because, in 
a way, Levi was still in the body of Abraham, his ancestor, when 
Melchizedek met him.
[=]_{I}11_{/}The institutions of the chosen people are founded upon 
the Levitical priesthood, but with it they could not attain what 
is perfect and permanent. If that were possible, why would there 
be need of another priest after the order of Melchizedek instead 
of Aaron's? {R}_{I}12_{/}If there is a change in the priesthood, the Law 
also has to be changed. {R}_{I}13_{/}Jesus, to whom all this has 
reference, was from a tribe that never served at the altar. 
[=]_{R}_{I}14_{/}All know that he belonged to the tribe of Judah that is 
not mentioned by Moses when he speaks of the priesthood.
{I}15_{/}All this, however, becomes clear if this priest after the 
likeness of Melchizedek {R}_{I}16_{/}has in fact received his mission, 
not on the basis of any human law, but by the power of an immortal 
life. {I}17_{/}Because Scripture says: You are a priest forever in the 
priestly order of Melchizedek. {I}18_{/}With this the former 
disposition is removed as insufficient and useless {R}_{I}19_{/}(for the 
Law did not bring anything to perfection). At the same time a 
better hope is given to us: that of drawing near to God.
{R}_{I}20_{/}This change is confirmed by God's oath. When the others 
became priests, God did not compromise himself with an oath, 
{R}_{I}21_{/}but Jesus is confirmed with an oath, as it is said: The Lord 
has sworn and will not change his mind: you are a priest forever. 
[=]_{R}_{I}22_{/}Therefore, Jesus is our assurance of a better covenant.
{R}_{I}23_{/}The former priests were many since, as mortal men, they 
could not remain in office. {R}_{I}24_{/}But Jesus remains forever and 
the priesthood shall not be taken from him. {R}_{I}25_{/}Consequently he 
is able to save for all time those who approach God through him. 
He always lives to intercede on their behalf.
{R}_{I}26_{/}It was fitting that our High Priest be holy, undefiled, set 
apart from sinners and exalted above the heavens; {R}_{I}27_{/}a priest 
who does not first need to offer sacrifice for himself before 
offering for the sins of the people, as high priests do. He 
offered himself in sacrifice once and for all. [=]_{R}_{I}28_{/}And 
whereas the Law elected weak men as high priests, now, after the 
Law, the word of God with an oath appointed the Son, made perfect 
forever.

{N}A NEW SANCTUARY AND A NEW COVENANT{/}

{1}8{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}The main point of what we are saying is that we have a 
high priest. He is seated at the right hand of the divine majesty 
in heaven, {I}2_{/}where he serves as minister of the true temple and 
sanctuary, set up not by any mortal but by the Lord.
{R}_{I}3_{/}A high priest is appointed to offer to God gifts and 
sacrifices, and Jesus also has to offer some sacrifice. {R}_{I}4_{/}Had 
he remained on earth, he would not be a priest, since others offer 
the gifts according to the Law. [=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}In fact, the ritual 
celebrated by those priests is only an imitation and shadow of the 
supernatural ritual. We know the word of God to Moses with regard 
to the construction of the holy tent. He said: You are to make 
everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain.
{R}_{I}6_{/}Now, however, Jesus enjoys a much higher ministry in being 
the mediator of a better covenant, founded on better promises. 
{R}_{I}7_{/}If all had been perfect in the first covenant, there would 
have been no need for another one. [=]_{R}_{I}8_{/}Yet God sees defects 
when he says:
The days are coming - it is the word of the Lord - when I will 
draw up a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the 
people of Judah.
{R}_{I}9_{/}It will not be like the covenant that I made with their 
ancestors on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of 
Egypt. They did not keep my covenant, and so I myself have 
forsaken them, says the Lord.
{R}_{I}10_{/}But this is the covenant that I will make with the people of 
Israel in the days to come: I will put my laws into their minds 
and write them on their hearts. I will be their God and they will 
be my people.
{I}11{/}None of them will have to teach one another or say to each 
other: Know the Lord, for they will know me from the least to the 
greatest. {I}12_{/}I will forgive their sins and no longer remember 
their wrongs.
[=]_{R}_{I}13_{/}Here we are being told of a new covenant; which means 
that the first one had become obsolete, and what is obsolete and 
aging is soon to disappear.

{N}THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM{/}

{1}9{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}The first covenant had rites and regulations. There was 
also a sanctuary - an earthly one. {I}2{/}A first room had the 
lampstand, the table and the bread of the presence. This room is 
called the Holy Place. {I}3_{/}Behind the second curtain, there is a 
second sanctuary called the Most Holy Place, [=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}with the 
gold altar for the burning of incense, and the ark of the 
Covenant, fully covered with gold. The ark contained a golden jar 
holding the manna, Aaron's rod that had sprouted leaves and the 
two slabs of the covenant. {R}_{I}5_{/}Above the ark the two cherubim of 
glory overshadowed the Seat of Mercy. But we cannot here describe 
it in detail.
{R}_{I}6_{/}With everything arranged as described, the priests 
continually enter the first room to fulfill their ministry; 
[=]_{R}_{I}7_{/}but the High Priest enters only once a year the second 
one, and not without bringing the blood which he will offer for 
himself and for the sins of the people. {R}_{I}8_{/}By this, the Holy 
Spirit teaches us that the way into the inner sanctuary is not 
open as long as the first room still stands. {R}_{I}9_{/}Here is a 
teaching by means of figures for the present age: the gifts and 
sacrifices presented to God cannot bring the people offering them 
to interior perfection. [=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}These are no more than food, 
drink and different kinds of cleansing by water; all these are 
human regulations awaiting a reformation.

{N}JESUS ENTERED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD{/}

[*]_{R}_{I}11_{/}But now Christ has appeared as the high priest with 
regard to the good things of these new times. He passed through a 
sanctuary more noble and perfect, not made by hands, that is, not 
created. {I}12_{/}He did not take with himself the blood of goats and 
bulls but his own blood, when he entered once and for all into 
this sanctuary after obtaining definitive redemption. {I}13_{/}If the 
sprinkling of people defiled by sin with the blood of goats and 
bulls or with the ashes of a heifer provides them with exterior 
cleanness and holiness, [=]_{R}_{I}14_{/}how much more will it be with 
the blood of Christ? He, moved by the eternal Spirit, offered 
himself as an unblemished victim to God and his blood cleanses us 
from dead works, so that we may serve the living God.
[=]_{R}_{I}15_{/}So Christ is the mediator of a new covenant or 
testament. His death made atonement for the sins committed under 
the old testament, and the promise is handed over to all who are 
called to the everlasting inheritance. [=]_{R}_{I}16_{/}With every 
testament it is necessary to wait until its author has died. 
{R}_{I}17_{/}For a testament infers death and has no value while the 
maker of it is still alive.
{R}_{I}18_{/}That is why the first covenant was not ratified without 
blood. {R}_{I}19_{/}Moses proclaimed to the assembled people all the 
commandments of the Law; then he took the blood of bulls and goats 
and mixed it with water, hyssop and red wool, and sprinkled the 
book of the Covenant and the people [=]_{R}_{I}20_{/}saying: This is the 
blood of the Covenant that God commanded you. {I}21_{/}In the same way 
he sprinkled with blood the Sanctuary and all the objects of the 
ritual. {R}_{I}22_{/}According to the Law, almost all cleansings have to 
be performed with blood; there is no forgiveness without the 
shedding of blood.
{I}23_{/}It was necessary that mere copies of supernatural realities 
be purified, but now these realities need better sacrifices. 
{R}_{I}24_{/}Christ did not enter some sanctuary made by hands, a copy of 
the true one, but heaven itself. He is now in the presence of God 
on our behalf. {R}_{I}25_{/}He had not to offer himself many times, as 
the High Priest does: he who may return every year, because the 
blood is not his own. [=]_[*]_{R}_{I}26_{/}Otherwise he would have 
suffered many times from the creation of the world. But no; he 
manifested himself only now at the end of the ages, to take away 
sin by sacrifice, {I}27_{/}and, as humans die only once and afterwards 
are judged, [=]_{I}28_{/}in the same way Christ sacrificed himself 
once to take away the sins of the multitude. There will be no 
further question of sin when he comes again to save those waiting 
for him.

{N}THE OLD COVENANT PREFIGURES THE NEW{/}

{1}10{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}1_{/}The religion of the Law is only a shadow of the good 
things to come; it has the patterns but not the realities. So, 
year after year, the same sacrifices are offered without bringing 
the worshipers to what is the end. {I}2_{/}If they had been cleansed 
once and for all, they would no longer have felt guilt and would 
have stopped offering the same sacrifices. {I}3_{/}But no, year after 
year their sacrifices witness to their sins {I}4_{/}and never will the 
blood of bulls and goats take away these sins.
[=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}This is why on entering the world, Christ says: You did 
not desire sacrifice and offering; {I}6_{/}you were not pleased with 
burnt offerings and sin offerings. {R}_{I}7_{/}Then I said: "Here I am. 
It was written of me in the scroll. I will do your will, O God."
{R}_{I}8_{/}First he says: Sacrifice, offerings, burnt offerings and sin 
offerings you did not desire nor were you pleased with them - 
although they were required by the Law. {I}9_{/}Then he says: Here I 
am to do your will.
This is enough to nullify the first will and establish the new. 
[=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}Now, by this will of God, we are sanctified at once by 
the sacrifice of the body of Christ Jesus. {R}_{I}11_{/}So, whereas every 
priest stands daily by the altar offering repeatedly the same 
sacrifices that can never take away sins, {R}_{I}12_{/}Christ has offered 
for all times a single sacrifice for sins and has taken his seat 
at the right hand of God, {R}_{I}13_{/}waiting until God puts his enemies 
as a footstool under his feet. {R}_{I}14_{/}By a single sacrifice he has 
brought those who are sanctified to what is perfect forever. 
{R}_{I}15_{/}This also was testified by the Holy Spirit. For after having 
declared: [=]_{R}_{I}16_{/}This is the covenant that I will make with 
them in the days to come - says the Lord - I will put my laws in 
their hearts and write them on their minds. {I}17_{/}He says: Their 
sins and evil deeds I will remember no more. {R}_{I}18_{/}So, if sins are 
forgiven, there is no longer need of any sacrifice for sin.

{N}BE CONFIDENT IN GOD{/}

[\u0095]_{R}_{I}19_{/}So, my friends, we are assured of entering the Sanctuary 
by the blood of Jesus {I}20_{/}who opened for us this new and living 
way passing through the curtain, that is, his body. {R}_{I}21_{/}Because 
we have a high priest in charge of the House of God, [=]_{R}_{I}22_{/}let 
us approach with a sincere heart, with full faith, interiorly 
cleansed from a bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure 
water. 
{I}23_{/}Let us hold fast to our hope without wavering, because he who 
promised is faithful. {I}24_{/}Let us consider how we may spur one 
another to love and good works. {I}25_{/}Do not abandon the assemblies 
as some of you do, but encourage one another, and all the more 
since the Day is drawing near.
{R}_{I}26_{/}If we sin willfully after receiving knowledge of the truth, 
there is no longer sacrifice for sin, [=]_{I}27_{/}but only the 
fearful prospect of judgment and of fire which devours the 
rebellious. [=]_{R}_{I}28_{/}For whoever violated the law of Moses there 
is no mercy: is put to death by the testimony of two or three 
persons. [=]_{R}_{I}29_{/}What, then, do you think it will be for those 
who have despised the Son of God? How severely shall he be 
punished for having defiled the blood of the covenant by which 
they were sanctified and for having insulted the Spirit given to 
them? [=]_{I}30_{/}For we know the One who says: Revenge is mine, I 
will repay. And also: The Lord will judge his people. 
[=]_{R}_{I}31_{/}What a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the 
living God.
{I}32_{/}Remember the first days when you were enlightened. You had to 
undergo a hard struggle in the face of suffering. {I}33_{/}Publicly 
you were exposed to humiliations and trials, and had to share the 
sufferings of others who were similarly treated. {I}34_{/}You showed 
solidarity with those in prison; you were dispossessed of your 
goods and accepted it gladly for you knew you were acquiring a 
much better and more durable possession. {I}35_{/}Do not now throw 
away your confidence which will be handsomely rewarded. {R}_{I}36_{/}Be 
patient in doing the will of God, and the promise will be yours: 
[=]_{I}37_{/}A little, a little longer - says Scripture - and he who 
is coming will come; he will not delay. {I}38_{/}My righteous one will 
live if he believes; but if he distrusts, I will no longer look 
kindly on him.
[=]_{I}39_{/}We are not among those who withdraw and perish, but among 
those who believe and win personal salvation.

{N}REMEMBERING THE HEROES OF FAITH{/}

{1}11{/}

[\u0095]_{I}1_{/}Faith is the way of holding onto what we hope for, being 
certain of what we cannot see. {I}2_{/}Because of their faith our 
ancestors were approved.
[*]_{R}_{I}3_{/}By faith we understand that the stages of creation were 
disposed by God's word, and what is visible came from what cannot 
be seen.
[=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}Because of Abel's faith his offering was more acceptable 
than that of his brother Cain, which meant he was upright, and God 
himself approved his offering. Because of this faith he cried to 
God, as said in Scripture, even after he died.
[=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}By faith Enoch was taken to Heaven, instead of 
experiencing death: he could not be found because God had taken 
him. In fact, it is said that before being taken up he had pleased 
God. {R}_{I}6_{/}Yet without faith it is impossible to please him: no one 
draws near to God without first believing that he exists and that 
he rewards those who seek him earnestly.
[=]_{I}7_{/}By faith Noah was instructed of events which could not yet 
be seen and, heeding what he heard, he built a boat in which to 
save his family. The faith of Noah condemned the world and he 
reached holiness born of faith.
[=]_{R}_{I}8_{/}It was by faith that Abraham, called by God, set out for 
a country that would be given to him as an inheritance; for he 
parted without knowing where he was going. [=]_{R}_{I}9_{/}By faith he 
lived as a stranger in that promised land. There he lived in 
tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, beneficiaries of the same promise. 
[=]_{R}_{I}10_{/}Indeed, he looked forward to that city of solid 
foundation of which God is the architect and builder.
[=]_{R}_{I}11_{/}By faith Sarah herself received power to become a 
mother, in spite of her advanced age; since she believed that he 
who had made the promise would be faithful. [=]_{R}_{I}12_{/}Therefore, 
from an almost impotent man were born descendants as numerous as 
the stars of heavens, as many as the grains of sand on the 
seashore.
[=]_{R}_{I}13_{/}Death found all these people strong in their faith. They 
had not received what was promised, but they had looked ahead and 
had rejoiced in it from afar, saying that they were foreigners and 
travelers on earth. {I}14_{/}Those who speak in this way prove that 
they are looking for their own country. {R}_{I}15_{/}For if they had 
longed for the land they had left, it would have been easy for 
them to return, {R}_{I}16_{/}but no, they aspired to a better city, that 
is, a supernatural one; so God, who prepared the city for them is 
not ashamed of being called their God.

[=]_{R}_{I}17_{/}By faith Abraham went to offer Isaac when God tested 
him. And so he who had received the promise of God offered his 
only son [=]_{R}_{I}18_{/}although God had told him: Isaac's descendants 
will bear your name. {R}_{I}19_{/}Abraham reasoned that God is capable 
even of raising the dead, and he received back his son, which has 
a figurative meaning.
{R}_{I}20_{/}By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, determining 
their future. {R}_{I}21_{/}By faith Jacob, before he died, blessed both 
children of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff. 
[=]_{R}_{I}22_{/}By faith Joseph, when about to die, warned the children 
of Israel of their exodus and gave orders about his remains.
[=]_{I}23_{/}By faith the parents of the newlyborn Moses hid him for 
three months, for they saw the baby was very beautiful and they 
did not fear the order of Pharaoh. {I}24_{/}By faith Moses, already an 
adult, refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter. {R}_{I}25_{/}He 
preferred to share ill treatment with the people of God, rather 
than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. {R}_{I}26_{/}He considered the 
humiliation of Christ as greater riches than the wealth of Egypt, 
and he looked ahead to his reward. {R}_{I}27_{/}By faith he left Egypt 
without fearing the king's anger, and he persevered as if he could 
see another invisible wrath.
[=]_{R}_{I}28_{/}By faith Moses had the Passover celebrated, sprinkling 
the doors with blood so that the Destroyer would not kill their 
firstborn sons. {R}_{I}29_{/}By faith they crossed the Red Sea, as if on 
dry land, while the Egyptians who tried to cross it were swallowed 
by the waters and drowned. 
[=]_{R}_{I}30_{/}By faith the walls of Jericho crumbled and fell, after 
Israel had marched round them for seven days; [=]_{R}_{I}31_{/}by faith, 
also, the prostitute Rahab escaped death which befell the 
unbelievers for having welcomed the spies.
[=]_{R}_{I}32_{/}Do I need to say more? There is not enough time to speak 
of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, as well as Samuel and 
the prophets. {R}_{I}33_{/}Through faith they fought and conquered 
nations, established justice, saw the fulfillment of God's 
promises, shut the mouths of lions, {I}34_{/}quenched raging fire, 
escaped the sword, were healed of their sicknesses, were valiant 
in battle, repulsed foreign invaders.
[=]_{R}_{I}35_{/}Some women recovered their dead by resurrection but 
there were others - persecuted and tortured believers - who, for 
the sake of a better resurrection, refused to do what would have 
saved them. [=]_{I}36_{/}Others suffered chains and prison. {I}37_{/}They 
were stoned, sawn in two, killed by the sword. They fled from 
place to place with no other clothing than the skins of sheep and 
goats, lacking everything, afflicted, ill-treated. {I}38_{/}These 
people of whom the world was not worthy had to wander through 
wastelands and mountains, and take refuge in the dens of the land. 
{R}_{I}39_{/}However, although all of them were praised because of their 
faith, they did not enjoy the promise {R}_{I}40_{/}because God had us in 
mind and saw beyond. And he did not want them to reach this end 
ahead of us.

{N}ACCEPT THE CORRECTION OF THE LORD{/}

{1}12{/}

[\u0095]_{I}1_{/}What a cloud of innumerable witnesses surround us! So let 
us be rid of every encumbrance, and especially of sin, to 
persevere in running the race marked out before us.
[=]_{R}_{I}2_{/}Let us look to Jesus the founder of our faith, who will 
bring it to completion. For the sake of the joy reserved for him, 
he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and then sat at the 
right of the throne of God. [=]_{R}_{I}3_{/}Think of Jesus who suffered 
so many contradictions from evil people, and you will not be 
discouraged or grow weary. {I}4_{/}Have you already shed your blood in 
the struggle against sin?
[=]_{I}5_{/}Do not forget the comforting words that Wisdom addresses 
to you as children: My son, pay attention when the Lord corrects 
you and do not be discouraged when he punishes you. {I}6_{/}For the 
Lord corrects those he loves and chastises everyone he accepts as 
a son.
{R}_{I}7_{/}What you endure is in order to correct you. God treats you 
like sons and what son is not corrected by his father? {I}8_{/}If you 
were without correction which has been received by all, (as is 
fitting for sons), you would not be sons but bastards. 
{I}9_{/}Besides, when our parents according to the flesh corrected us, 
we respected them. How much more should we be subject to the 
Father of spirits to have life? {R}_{I}10_{/}Our parents corrected us as 
they saw fit, with a view to this very short life; but God 
corrects us for our own good that we may share his holiness.
{I}11_{/}All correction is painful at the moment, rather than 
pleasant; later it brings the fruit of peace, that is, holiness to 
those who have been trained by it.
[=]_{I}12_{/}Lift up, then, your drooping hands, and strengthen your 
trembling knees; [=]_{I}13_{/}make level the ways for your feet, so 
that the lame may not be disabled, but healed.

{N}STRIVE TO BE HOLY{/}

[\u0095]_{I}14_{/}Strive for peace with all and strive to be holy, for 
without holiness no one will see the Lord.
{R}_{I}15_{/}See that no one falls from the grace of God, lest a bitter 
plant spring up and its poison corrupt many among you. 
[=]_{I}16_{/}Let no one be immoral or irreligious like Esau, who sold 
his birthright for a single meal. {I}17_{/}You know that later, when 
he wished to get the blessing, he was rejected although he pleaded 
with tears.
[=]_{I}18_{/}Remember your initiation. There was no material presence 
nor heat of a blazing fire, darkness and gloom and storms... 
{I}19_{/}blasts of trumpets or such a voice that the people pleaded 
that no further word be spoken. [=]_{R}_{I}20_{/}All this was intended to 
have them respect the order not to approach: Every man or beast 
reaching the mountain shall be stoned. [=]_{I}21_{/}The sight was so 
terrifying that Moses said: I tremble with fear.
[=]_{R}_{I}22_{/}But you came near to Mount Zion, to the city of the 
living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem with its innumerable angels. 
You have come to the solemn feast, [=]_{R}_{I}23_{/}the assembly of the 
firstborn of God, whose names are written in heaven. There is God, 
Judge of all, with the spirits of the upright brought to 
perfection. {R}_{I}24_{/}There is Jesus, the mediator of the new 
covenant, with the sprinkled blood that cries out more effectively 
than Abel's.
{R}_{I}25_{/}Be careful not to reject God when he speaks. If those who 
did not heed the prophet's warnings were not spared on earth, how 
much more shall we be punished if we do not heed the One warning 
us from Heaven? [=]_{I}26_{/}His voice then shook the earth, but now 
he says: In this last time I will shake not only the earth but 
also the heavens.
{I}27_{/}The words in this last time indicate the removal of 
everything that can be shaken, that is, created things, and only 
those that cannot be shaken will remain. [=]_{R}_{I}28_{/}Such is the 
kingdom that we receive. Let us then be grateful and offer to God 
a worship pleasing to him with reverence and awe. [=]_{R}_{I}29_{/}Our 
God is indeed a consuming fire.

{N}WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT{/}

{1}13{/}

[\u0095]_{I}1_{/}Let mutual love continue. [=]_{I}2_{/}Do not neglect to offer 
hospitality; you know that some people have entertained angels 
without knowing it. {I}3_{/}Remember prisoners as if you were with 
them in chains, and the same for those who are suffering. Remember 
that you also have a body.
[=]_{R}_{I}4_{/}Marriage must be respected by all and husband and wife 
faithful to each other. God will punish the immoral and the 
adulterous.
[=]_{R}_{I}5_{/}Do not depend on money. Be content with having enough for 
today for God has said: I will never forsake you or abandon you, 
[=]_{R}_{I}6_{/}and we shall confidently answer: The Lord is my helper, I 
will not fear; what can man do to me? {R}_{I}7_{/}Remember your leaders 
who taught you the word of God. Consider their end and imitate 
their faith. {R}_{I}8_{/}Christ Jesus is the same today as yesterday and 
forever.
[=]_{R}_{I}9_{/}Do not be led astray by all kinds of strange teachings. 
Your heart will be strengthened by the grace of God rather than by 
foods of no use to anyone. {R}_{I}10_{/}We have an altar from which those 
still serving in the Temple cannot eat.
{R}_{I}11_{/}After the High Priest has offered the blood in the Sanctuary 
for the sins of the people, the carcasses of the animals are burnt 
outside the camp. [=]_{R}_{I}12_{/}For this same reason Jesus, to purify 
the people with his own blood, suffered his Passion outside the 
holy city. {I}13_{/}Let us, therefore, go to him outside the sacred 
area, sharing his shame. [=]_{I}14_{/}For we have here no lasting city 
and we are looking for the one to come.
[=]_{R}_{I}15_{/}Let us, then, continually offer through Jesus a 
sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of lips celebrating 
his name. [=]_{R}_{I}16_{/}Do not neglect good works and common life, for 
these are sacrifices pleasing to God. [=]_{I}17_{/}Obey your leaders 
and submit to them, for they are concerned for your souls and are 
accountable for them. Let this be a joy for them rather than a 
burden, which would be of no advantage for you.
{I}18_{/}Pray for us, for we believe our intentions are pure and that 
we only want to act honorably in all things. {I}19_{/}Now I urge you 
all the more to pray for me that I may be given back to you the 
sooner.
[=]_{R}_{I}20_{/}May God give you peace, he who brought back from among 
the dead Jesus our Lord, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, whose 
blood seals the eternal covenant.
{R}_{I}21_{/}He will train you in every good work, that you may do his 
will, for it is he who works in us what pleases him, through Jesus 
Christ, to whom all glory be for ever and ever. Amen!
[*]_{I}22_{/}Brothers, I beg you to take these words of encouragement. 
For my part, I will add few words. {I}23_{/}Know that our brother 
Timothy has been released. If he comes soon I will visit you with 
him. {I}24_{/}Greetings to all your leaders and to the saints. 
Greetings from those in Italy.
{I}25_{/}Grace be with you all.

