And I begin the session on the Eucharist examining the notion of sacrifice in the scriptures—sacrificial offerings made to God, for the Eucharist, of course, is the sacrifice the Son makes to the Father of his flesh and blood and life for the sake of the world.
This morning we read from the book of Genesis the first depiction of sacrifice in scripture: Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the soil, while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock.
Both of the sons of Adam and Eve offered sacrifice to God—they made sacrifice offerings from the fruit of their work. Both had no doubt worked hard for the fruits of their labors—by the sweat of their brows they shall obtain fruit. And even though, but were born with the effects of the sins of their parents, both still had this urge to make sacrificial offering to God.
And yet, God smiled upon Abel’s sacrifice, where upon Cain’s he did not. Why? Well, we read Abel, brought the best of his flock. Cain, by contrast, did not; he gave God the leftovers. The Letter to the Hebrews explains “By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s.” Abel’s sacrifice was filled with faith and love, Cain’s was lacking.
Perhaps Cain offered the sacrifice half-heartedly. This makes us think, perhaps, of the widow in the Gospel, praised by the Lord, who offers not her leftovers, but from her sustenance.
Perhaps Cain loved the fruits of his labor more than God—loving what is seen more than He who is unseen. Perhaps he wanted to get the sacrifice over as soon as possible so he could go back to worldly pursuits--like the person who wants Mass t
o be over as soon as possible so they can go back to playing Candy Crush on their iPhones—or back to his resentful musings which led to his brother’s murder.
Perhaps, he only offered the sacrifice in order to get something out of it. Kind of like the followers of the so-called Prosperity Gospel today, who come to Christ because they believe God will make them prosperous and wealthy in this life on earth.
On the Cross, and therefore, in the Eucharist, the Lord Jesus offers the perfect sacrifice, the wholehearted sacrifice, the sacrifice of his very self to the honor and glory of his father and for the highest good of others, greater even than the favored sacrifice of Abel. Again from Hebrews: “You have drawn near…to Jesus…and to the sprinkled blood which speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.”
In the Eucharist we draw near to the perfect sacrifice, we receive it, that we may become what we receive, that we may give the wholehearted, unselfish, sacrifice of our lives for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
- - - - - - -
That all members of the Church will discover and offer their gifts wholeheartedly in service of the Gospel.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that young people may live in faith-filled homes where the Gospel is cherished, studied, and lived-out.
For the grace to set good Christian example, and to courage to share the faith with non-believers and the lapsed.
On this President’s Day, Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, Joseph Biden, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides. May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion. May he execute the laws with justice and mercy. May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.
For all of the sick and suffering, for the grace to unite their sufferings with Christ and to know His consolation and peace.
For our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. We pray to the Lord.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
No comments:
Post a Comment