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The model of the pope/priest as a temporal intercessor perched atop the state-establishment - and its similarity to the model Pharaoh Akhenaten propped itself up atop, with them as man-god priest standing between the sheeple and the Aten.... is worth contemplation.

Meanwhile, Christ's victorious resurrection dispenses with ALL temporal "intercessors" who would stand between the Individual and our Creator. They have no dominion in our relationship with Him.

All priests are intercessors, OT and NT. The one High Priest of the NT and until the end of the world is Jesus. Any man who has the title and function of "priest," does so as a member of the Body of Christ, ministering not a priesthood of his own, but Christ's, in persona Christi. It is not based on the merits of some human person (which would be exactly zero, apart from Christ), but on the merits and the actions of Christ alone.

This is one of the many important ramifications of our life in Christ. We -- even you and I --- can with Paul, "I live: yet not 'I', but Christ in me."

Every Sunday every Catholic prays aloud or sings the following pray, which most of us know by heart. Notice the supremacy and unique worthiness of Christ to be adored, proclaimed by this prayer:

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to His people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King,
Almighty God and Father,
we worship You, we give You thanks,
we praise You for Your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God , Lamb of God,
You take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.

For You alone are the Holy One,
You alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of the Father.
Amen.

CAN I HAVE AN AMEN?