Hebreus 7
Origen of Alexandria · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Hebreus 7:17
Just as the people of old, who were called the people of God, were divided into twelve tribes plus the levitical order, and this order itself, which engaged in service of the Divine, was divided into additional priestly and levitical orders, so, I think, all the people of Christ according to "the hidden person of the heart," who bear the name "Jew inwardly" and who have been circumcised "in spirit," possess the characteristics of the tribes in a more mystical manner.…Most of us who approach the teachings of Christ, since we have much time for the activities of life and offer a few acts to God, would perhaps be those from the tribes who have a little fellowship with the priests and support the service of God in a few things. But those who devote themselves to the divine Word and truly exist by the service of God alone will properly be said to be Levites and priests in accordance with the excellence of their activities in this work. And, perhaps, those who excel all others and who hold, as it were, the first places of their generation will be high priests according to the order of Aaron, but not according to the order of Melchizedek. If someone should object to this, thinking that we are impious when we prescribe the title of high priest for humans, since Jesus is proclaimed as great priest in many places—for we have "a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God"—we would have to say to him that the apostle indicated this when he said that the prophet said of Christ, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek," and not after the order of Aaron. On this basis, we too say that humans can be high priests according to the order of Aaron, but only the Christ of God according to the order of Melchizedek. — COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1.1, 1.10-11
Hebreus 7:18-19
We may also ask what it means when it says in the law that Moses' face was shining with glory, though covered with a veil, while his hand when put "into his bosom" became "leprous as snow." In this it seems to me the form of the whole law is quite fully described. For his "face" is the word of the law, and by "hand" are described the works of the law. "For no human being will be justified by works of the law." Nor could the law lead anyone to "perfection." In the same way the "leprous" hand of Moses was hidden in his bosom, since it could not perform any perfect work; but his face shone, though covered with a veil, since his word has the glory of knowledge, but a hidden glory. — HOMILIES ON EXODUS 12.3
Hebreus 7:25
Jesus now stands "before the face of God interceding for us." He stands before the altar to offer a propitiation to God for us. As he was about to approach that altar, moreover, he was saying, "I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until I drink it anew with you." Therefore, he expects us to be converted, to imitate his example, to follow his footsteps, that he may rejoice with us and "drink wine with us in his Father's kingdom." For now, because "the Lord is merciful and gracious," he "weeps with those who weep and desires to rejoice with those who rejoice" with greater feeling than this apostle. And how much more "this one mourns over many of those who sinned before and have not repented." For we must not think that Paul is mourning for sinners and weeping for those who transgress, but Jesus my Lord abstains from weeping when he approaches the Father, when he stands at the altar and offers a propitiatory sacrifice for us. This is not to drink the wine of joy "when he ascends to the altar" because he is still bearing the bitterness of our sins. He, therefore, does not want to be the only one to drink wine "in the kingdom" of God. He waits for us, just as he said, "Until I shall drink it with you." Thus we are those who, neglecting our life, delay his joy. — HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 7.2