The Order of Melchizedek

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NoelFitz

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Recently in Catholic Exchange I read an article about “The Order of Melchizedek”. (catholicexchange.com/2009/06/24/119755/#comments).

I am grateful to Fr Schnippel for this article. I could never understand the reference to a Catholic priest being considered a priest like Melchizedek of old. In Hebrews Christ was designated a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

I am afraid I still do not understand the references to Melchizedek in the Bible, especially in Hebrews where Christ was designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Can anyone explain the following (emphases added)?
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. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.”
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:1-10).
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NoelFitz said:
Recently in Catholic Exchange I read an article about “The Order of Melchizedek”. (catholicexchange.com/2009/06/24/119755/#comments).

I am grateful to Fr Schnippel for this article. I could never understand the reference to a Catholic priest being considered a priest like Melchizedek of old. In Hebrews Christ was designated a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

I am afraid I still do not understand the references to Melchizedek in the Bible, especially in Hebrews where Christ was designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Can anyone explain the following (emphases added)?
Click to expand...
The Levite priests needed to offer animal sacrifices for their own sins as well as for the other Israelites. These sacrifices were never enough and had to be continually repeated because they were not perfect. Only a perfect person can offer a perfect sacrifice. Jesus never sinned so His one perfect sacrifice of His Body and Blood suffices for eternity.

Jesus’ human nature regarding “obedience” was perfected by “suffering” even though Jesus never even once sinned. [Hebrews 5:8]

I think that “today I have begotten you” means that His relationship to Jesus, His Son, is “eternally ongoing” without beginning or end, always in the present tense.

Melchizedek is a priest and king of Salem. Melchizedek offers bread and wine as sacrifice. The Levite priests offer blood sacrifices on the altar. (Salem stood where Jerusalem is now.)

Jesus combines both OT priesthoods into one. Jesus is both king and high priest like Melchizedek. Jesus offers Himself as the Blood Sacrifice as the Levite priests did animal blood sacrifices. However, Jesus offers (re-presents to His Father) His Blood Sacrifice under the appearances of bread and wine in every Mass. Jesus’ royal priesthood never ends.
 
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