Sometimes knowing your place literally means knowing where you are. Other times, it means knowing your roles and responsibilities to yourself and to others. It takes time to realize that your place and role may be bigger than yourself because they reflect a call from God. A high priest fills a large role; he “is put in charge of things pertaining to God.” It requires gentleness and sacrifice, communication with the community and with God. This scripture alludes to the fact that being a high priest may not be for everybody. But many traditions ascribe to the notion of a “priesthood of all believers”—that we are all called by God to be gentle with one another, to teach one another, to sacrifice for one another.
The traditions and cultures that celebrate this concept of the priesthood of all believers varies. One example is the Samoan tradition of ifoga. After a grave offense occurs, the offender’s family takes responsibility to ask for forgiveness, offer sacrifice, and seek reconciliation. The family members act as priests, interceding on behalf of the offender, preparing offerings of food and gifts. They readily offer themselves as penitence for what has been done.
While the offender’s family waits outside, the victim’s family continues to grieve and mourn and decide on next steps. Retaliation is an option, but usually the families reconcile. The community begins the process of restoration, justice, and healing. The offender’s family shares in the other family’s pain, loss, and anguish. There are hugs and tears, prayers for the victim and the offender, and, in the end, there is forgiveness.
May we all hear God’s call to be priests to one another, offering gentleness and sacrifice.