Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Today is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.  In the past, there were processions and other services in honor of this day, which recalls the gift of Jesus’ offering of himself for us.

Exodus 24:3-8

Moses stands in front of the Israelites and reads to them the law of God.  They respond with gusto, “We will do everything that the Lord has told us.”  Then they offer a sacrifice to show their assent.  The sacrifice of the body and blood of the young bulls reminds the people that they are called to give their body and blood to the Lord.  They are called to give their entire selves in service to God.  This covenant

Between God and Israel will stand forever due to the sacrifice that is made.

We pray that we can make a sacrifice of ourselves to God.  Do we see the Eucharist as a covenant between ourselves and God –a  covenant to serve God and others?

Hebrews 9:11-15

In the first reading, who offered the sacrifice to God?  The priests.  This reading tells us that Jesus is the high priest who offers the sacrifice on the people’s behalf.  He offers a sacrifice not of animals like in the Old Testament.  Rather the sacrifice is his own flesh for the life of the world.  The sacrifice of animals had its’ effect but the sacrifice of Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, rendering all other sacrifices for sin unnecessary.  He has established a new covenant, replacing the covenant of the Old Testament.

What are the sacrifices that you have had to make?  Did you see God’s hand in those sacrifices?

What are the sacrifices God is asking of you now?

Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

It is interesting that Jesus asks for a “Guest room” for the Passover celebration with the disciples.  Two things stand out.  First, guests come for a time and then leave.  This night is a part of Jesus’ identity as Messiah.  He comes for a little while as a guest and then gives those who follow him food for the long journey ahead.  The disciples will be sent into the world at Pentecost as “guests” – foreigners who bring a foreign idea to the people.   They will preach about Jesus in all parts of the world.  Very hard work indeed.  Second, Jesus is a guest of the world as well as being its ruler.  It would be so much easier if Jesus just stayed forever with the disciples and the world.  That doesn’t happen.  He comes as a guest, staying with us for a while.

We pray that we can make a “guest room” for Jesus in our hearts, homes, businesses, government, etc.  Do you sense that Jesus is a guest, coming and going?  How is it when we sense that the guest Jesus has left us for a while?

 

I invite your comments.