Within the core of each person lies the fundamental desire to be loved, respected, and valued for one's self and one's unique gifts and talents. As a result of the brokenness that comes from sin, some people grow up with the feeling that they are not loved, valued, or accepted completely. Many factors can contribute to this inner sense: the house-hold in which one grows up, one's experience with one's peers, or even the values that society judges as important. This sense of unworthiness is often described as having a painful void within oneself. To fill this perceived void one may try to earn the love and approval of others by giving in to their expectations. This strategy may result in fleeting satisfaction, but it is doomed to failure as it is not possible to please other people all the time.

The only real solution to filling the void experienced inside of oneself is a spiritual solution. This is spelled out clearly in today's reading from the letter to the Hebrews. We are reminded that we have a high priest in heaven-Jesus who has taken his place at the right hand of the Father. By His once-and-for-all sacrifice on the Cross, Jesus brought forgiveness of sins, redemption, and salvation to the whole world. When we accept the unconditional love God offers to us through Jesus, any void that is within us is filled. As we are made whole by God's grace, the gifts we have been so freely given are not meant to be kept for ourselves alone but are to be shared freely with others. We do this by leading lives which are centered in God, by sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus when the opportunity presents itself, by seeking to bring healing wherever we can, and by giving daily witness to the Gospel through treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. The yearnings of our hearts can be fulfilled only by embracing a spiritual solution. May we dedicate our lives each and every day to Jesus, our High Priest, that we may be blessed with peace and that others may come to know Jesus through our actions. May we be prepared to meet Jesus when he returns and may our names be found inscribed in the Book of Life.