Daily Readings - Sun Jun 02 2024
Exodus
3When Moses went and told the people all the LORD's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the LORD has said we will do."4Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel.5Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the LORD.6Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.7Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the LORD has said; we will obey."8Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."
Hebrews
11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!15For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Mark
12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"13So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.14Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'15He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."16The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.22While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."23Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.24"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.25"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."26When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the establishment of covenants, highlighting the transformative power of sacrifice and commitment. The Exodus passage shows Moses leading the Israelites in a covenant with God, sealed with the blood of animals, symbolizing their commitment to follow His laws. This act is not just a ritual but a profound moment of communal dedication, setting the stage for a relationship built on obedience and trust.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus institutes the Eucharist during the Last Supper, offering His body and blood as the new covenant. This moment redefines sacrifice, moving from animal offerings to the ultimate gift of self. Jesus' words, "This is my blood of the new covenant," resonate deeply, indicating a covenant of love and redemption that transcends the old. The letter to the Hebrews bridges these moments, explaining that Christ's sacrifice is more powerful than any before, offering eternal redemption through His own blood, thus becoming the mediator of a new and everlasting covenant.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded of the importance of trust and commitment in our relationship with God. Just as the Israelites trusted Moses and God, we are called to trust in Christ's sacrifice. The Eucharist invites us to participate in this covenant daily, transforming us and deepening our commitment to live as followers of Christ. In our lives, this means embracing sacrifice with love, trusting in God's plan, and finding strength in community. Let us approach each day with renewed dedication, allowing the power of Christ's covenant to guide and transform us.