How far into a great cathedral do you dare walk? The back of the nave, a pew, or right up to the rail before the altar? The letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 10) says a Christian should walk straight to the centre, sit down and talk with the Father, because the curtain has been torn and the way is open. From that the author draws three natural reflexes: draw near in prayer, hold fast to the truth you were given, and stir one another up to love and good works, like the father who bursts into a quiet room and riles up children already settled for sleep. Listen if you catch yourself asking whether you have to go to church, and want to see why that is the wrong question.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The author of Hebrews 10:19-25 uses temple images: the curtain, the high priest, entering the holy places. What might these images have meant to the first readers with Jewish roots who were tempted to return to their old tradition?
- The passage is built on a pattern: since we have access to God through Jesus, let us draw near, hold fast to our hope, and stir one another up. How does this "since... therefore" shape the way you see prayer, faith, and church?
- The speaker described how in St. Mary's Basilica we feel intimidated and hesitate to approach the altar, while Jesus leads us straight to the Father. What most often keeps you from coming to God with full confidence?
- Little Heidi stood at the opened door and, instead of coming in, turned around and walked away. In what situations do you respond to God's invitation like that, and what could help you "come in"?
- The preacher compared the gospel to a new phone we handle carefully at first and then treat carelessly. How can you tell when the gift of salvation is becoming ordinary to you, and how can you hold fast to it again?
- The speaker says "Do I have to go to church?" is the wrong question, because others need your presence. Who in our community can you specifically spur on toward love and good deeds this week?
