Sacrifice

06-06-2021Weekly Reflection© J. S. Paluch Company

Today the Church focuses on the Eucharist. Today’s readings remind us how connected to ancient blood sacrifices we are when offering our unbloody sacrifice. The reading from Exodus describes a solemn ritual designed so the Israelites would never forget their covenant with God. The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews turns us from those ancient animal sacrifices, the first efforts to worship the living God. Our sacrifice is the body and blood of the Son of God. Because of Christ we have a new covenant.

The Gospel from Mark retells the establishment of that covenant, the familiar story of the Last Supper. Juxtaposed with the story of animal sacrifice as it is here, we are challenged to listen with new attention, to remember the great price paid for our salvation. Jesus gave his body and every drop of his blood for us.