4th Sunday before Advent
Collect
Hebrew 9: 11 – 14
Mark 12: 28 – 34
There are a number of sacrifices prescribed in the Old Testament; a burnt offering to express devotion or commitment to God. a grain offering in the form of a cake or baked bread, the peace offering, which consisted of any unblemished animal from the worshiper’s herd, a sin offering to atone for sin and cleanse from defilement and a trespass offering given as atonement for sins that required reimbursement to an offended party . Each of these sacrifices involved certain elements, either animal or sometimes fruit of the field, and had a specific purpose. They had to be made in accordance with strict rules laid down in the book of Leviticus – and these instructions were mostly fairly gruesome, involving (blameless) animals being slaughtered, with their blood being a fundamental part of the act.
Essentially, they allowed the donor to walk away from their past and start again – without themselves shedding blood. No doubt many were sincere, resolving to change their lives for the better – but I suspect that for others, this was a meaningless ritual which changed nothing.
Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth makes it clear that these are but ‘a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.’ Jesus offers himself as a final, all-encompassing sacrifice. His innocent blood replaces the blood of the innocent animals. It is all we need, and we celebrate our freedom in our eucharistic celebration. But does it change us? – or do we merely perform the ritual as part of a tradition, without reflecting on its true meaning – that God the Creator of the Universe, loves us so much that He offers us the blood of His only Son that we might not perish, but have eternal life?
This week, there is so much needing our prayer that words are not enough. We need to take our issues of concern to a much deeper level. So, if you are able, find a quiet space and simply meditate on the words below, in the context of Christ’s atoning Sacrifice
Flooding in Spain and all countries suffering extreme climate disturbance
Escalating war and the pursuit of revenge throughout the Holy Land
Continuing conflict in Ukraine and Russia
Desperate people worldwide seeking refuge and safety for their families
The growth of political extremism
Domestic abuse and violence
That the Kingdom is only ever to be found in love of God and neighbour.
We pray the Lord’s prayer, and as the music plays, we may break bread together with the risen Christ and all His people – whoever and wherever in the world they are, we are one in Him who gave His life that we might live. He calls us to follow and to live our lives as His body, in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Go in peace, to love and praise the Lord and all His creation, giving thanks for the blessings of tomorrow – and the day after, then the day after that, and all your days. In the name of Christ. Amen
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