Gospel: Mark 14:22-25
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Patrick Slevin RIP.
Reflection:
Back in the Old Testament, priests were tasked to make intercessions to God on behalf of the people by offering sacrifices prescribed by the law. St Paul commented in his Letter to the Hebrews (10:11), that these repeatedly offered sacrifices can never take away sins. When Christ came and offered Himself on the cross, He “offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins…For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12,14). In today’s Gospel, when He gave the cup to His disciples, He identified the contents of that cup as His blood which will be poured out for all people. While Old Testament priests offered the blood of animals to atone for the sins of people, Jesus offered His own blood in reparation for our sins.
Pope Pius XII wrote: “He (Jesus) is a Priest not for Himself but for us, since, in the name of the whole human race, He brings our prayers and religious dispositions to the eternal Father; He is also a victim, but a victim for us, since He substitutes Himself for sinners…” All of us share in the priesthood of Our Lord through Baptism. Priests and bishops have a greater sharing in that priesthood through ordination. Let us ask for the grace to exercise our priesthood “with a humble attitude of mind, offer adoration, honour, praise, and thanksgiving to the supreme majesty of God.” (Pope Pius XII)
- How do you mirror Christ’s priesthood in your vocation?
- How do you unite yourself with Jesus’ sacrifice in the Mass?
- How willing are you to take the risks in serving Christ and the Church?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Make us realise the beauty and challenge of sharing in Your priesthood. United with You, may we devote our lives in bringing more people closer to You. Amen. (Pietro)
