Catholic Commentary on Hebrews 1

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Hebrews 1:3)

The Letter to the Hebrews

Hebrews is the most theologically sophisticated document in the New Testament, a sustained homily addressed to Jewish Christians under pressure to abandon their faith and return to the security of traditional Judaism. The author, unknown but deeply versed in both Greek rhetoric and Levitical theology, makes a single overwhelming argument: whatever was good in the old covenant finds its fulfilment and surpassing in Jesus Christ. The tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices, the covenants, the angels, Moses, Aaron, the Sabbath rest: all are shadows of the reality that has appeared in Christ. The letter is the most complete meditation on the priesthood of Jesus in all of Scripture.

The opening is magnificent: in the past God spoke in many ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After providing purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. The Catechism calls this the definitive self-communication of God: in the Son, God has said everything; there is no further revelation to be awaited after the Incarnation (CCC 65).

Greater than the Angels

The first argument: the Son is superior to the angels. To which angel did God ever say: you are my Son, today I have become your Father? Or: I will be his Father and he will be my Son? The angels are ministering spirits. The Son is worshipped by the angels. His throne is forever. He laid the foundations of the earth and the heavens are the work of his hands. They will perish but he remains. They will wear out like a garment, but he is the same and his years will never end.

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, the Son sustains all things by his powerful word. Every atom of the universe is held in existence at this moment by the word of the one who became flesh in Bethlehem. The one you receive in Communion is the one who upholds the cosmos. Approach the Eucharist with the reverence owed to the one who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. He is not a symbol. He is the substance of everything.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, radiance of the Father's glory and exact representation of his being, you sustain all things by your powerful word. You made purification for sins and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. We worship you with the angels. To you be honour and glory forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hebrews
1
The Supremacy of the Son
(Colossians 1:15–23)
1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. 2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son,* 1:2 Or in His Son whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.† 1:2 Or the world; literally the ages
 
3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became as far superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say:
 
“You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father”‡ 1:5 Psalms 2:7; literally today I have begotten You?
 
Or again:
 
“I will be His Father,
and He will be My SonӤ 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13?
 
6 And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says:
 
“Let all God’s angels worship Him.”* 1:6 Deuteronomy 32:43 (see DSS and LXX)
 
7 Now about the angels He says:
 
“He makes His angels winds,
His servants flames of fire.Ӡ 1:7 Psalms 104:4 (see also LXX)
 
8 But about the Son He says:
 
“Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,
and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness
and hated wickedness;
therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
above Your companions with the oil of joy.”‡ 1:9 Psalms 45:6–7
 
10 And:
 
“In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment § 1:12 BYZ and TR do not include like a garment. they will be changed;
but You remain the same,
and Your years will never end.”* 1:12 Psalms 102:25–27
 
13 Yet to which of the angels did God ever say:
 
“Sit at My right hand
until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feetӠ 1:13 Psalms 110:1?
 
14 Are not the angels ‡ 1:14 Literally Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

*1:2 1:2 Or in His Son

†1:2 1:2 Or the world; literally the ages

‡1:5 1:5 Psalms 2:7; literally today I have begotten You

§1:5 1:5 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13

*1:6 1:6 Deuteronomy 32:43 (see DSS and LXX)

†1:7 1:7 Psalms 104:4 (see also LXX)

‡1:9 1:9 Psalms 45:6–7

§1:12 1:12 BYZ and TR do not include like a garment.

*1:12 1:12 Psalms 102:25–27

†1:13 1:13 Psalms 110:1

‡1:14 1:14 Literally Are they not all

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