2nd Sunday before Advent
Collect
Hebrews 10: 11 – 14, 19 – 25
The letter to the Hebrews couldn’t be clearer. The old ritual as described in detail in the Old Testament, in which a jewel-bedecked and richly adorned priest spills animal blood on an altar, has been replaced by the one all-encompassing sacrifice of God’s Son. No jewels. No fine clothes. No altar – a rough -hewn piece of wood on which the Prince of Peace is the sacrificial offering seeking redemption.
However, while Christians accept that Christ’s sacrifice is complete and sufficient, the appropriate celebration of this issue remains as the cause of division between those of different denominations. Some, of a Catholic Persuasion (n.b. not just ‘Roman’ Catholic), regard the Bread as incorporating (either symbolically or in reality) the consecrated blood of Jesus, and elevate it from the Altar in the Eucharistic Prayer for all to recognise as a sacrifice we offer to God. In theological terms, this is called ‘Sacrificium’ (sacrifice).
In an opposing doctrine in more conservative Protestant Theology, around God’s Holy Table He offers His Son to us. This is referred to as ‘beneficium’ (gift giving), that is, a gift from God to the faithful rather than from the faithful to God. The celebration of thanksgiving for salvation takes place within the context of a meal, and we share bread and wine as memorial of His words at the Last Supper.
Sacrifice or memorial? Millions of words on the issue haven’t reached a resolution, and probably won’t ever. But the important point is that this must not – Must Not!!! – cause division between all who proclaim Jesus as Lord. However we understand it, it is the Spirit-led recognition of His presence at the heart of our Eucharist that changes our lives and sets us free to be His Body on earth.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.