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Monday November 16^th, Hebrews 10: My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself. We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith.  In days of old, only the high priest could enter through the curtain into the holy of holies, considered to be the very presence of God.  During the crucifixion, the curtain in the temple tore from top to bottom, which is God’s declaration of what had just taken place.  The curtain that separates has been replaced with the Christ that welcomes in.  What had taken place was that there was no longer any separation between God and humanity.  God’s love, God’s forgiveness, God’s gift of life is open to all, no longer mediated by “the church.”   We no longer go to church; we are the church.  We still struggle with that.  We want someone to tell us what God wants, and all too often we listen to people willing to fulfill that role.  Instead, Christ invites you into the presence of God.  There is no longer a priest between you and God telling you what scripture says, only a pastor inviting you to open your scriptures and join in the discussion of what it says to you.  Failure to do so is the same as telling God you are not interested.