Christian Worship as Sacrifice (SERMON/HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST YEAR B JUNE 02 2024

SERMON/HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST YEAR B JUNE 02 2024

Ex.24:3-8; Ps.116; Heb.9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this solemn day, we gather to celebrate the profound mystery of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This celebration is a profound reminder that at the heart of Christian worship lies the concept of sacrifice—a concept deeply rooted in tradition and one that resonates across cultures and faiths.

In many African traditions, sacrifice is the cornerstone of worship, serving as a bridge between the human and the divine. It is through sacrifice that we appease the divine, connect with the supernatural, and find answers to our deepest prayers. Sacrifice establishes a covenantal bond, shaping our lifestyles and defining our communities.

Beyond the religious sphere, the notion of sacrifice speaks to the essence of commitment. It is the sacrifices we make—or fail to make—that chart the course of our lives. The quality of our sacrifices today lays the foundation for our future. A life devoid of commitment is adrift, lacking direction and purpose.

In the scriptural narrative, we see Moses leading the Israelites in a sacrificial offering to affirm their covenant with God. This act of worship was not only about the offering itself but also about a pledge of obedience from the people and a promise of providential care from God. They vowed to live as God's children, placing their trust and hope in Him.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate sacrifice, offering His Body and Blood as the new covenant with God. On the cross, He gave Himself for our salvation, and through the Eucharist, this sacrifice is perpetually present to us. To partake in the Eucharist is to engage in sacrifice, allowing it to transform us as we receive it.

Preparation is key to our participation in the Eucharistic feast. The Gospel speaks of the disciples preparing for the Passover, a precursor to our own preparation for Holy Communion. It is a preparation of the heart that manifests physically. To be properly disposed for the Eucharist, one must be in a state of grace, punctual for the celebration, and lead a life that does not hinder communion with Christ.

The Eucharistic celebration is where heaven touches earth, where the miraculous process of Transubstantiation occurs—where bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. This sacred moment, unique to the Mass, elevates it as the highest form of prayer. To actively participate in the Mass is to discipline oneself in the presence of the divine.

As we are sent forth at the conclusion of the Mass, we are called to embody the Eucharistic virtues in our daily lives. The Eucharist signifies unity, love, sacrifice, holiness, and obedience. To receive the Eucharist and yet live contrary to these virtues is to negate its transformative power. Living out the Eucharistic virtues in today's world is a sacrifice we are all called to make.

Today, let us approach the Eucharistic table with a spirit of sacrifice, remembering that our journey to heaven begins with our participation in the Eucharist here on earth. For indeed, being in heaven is akin to attending a university, and our admission begins with the Eucharist.

Amen.

God bless you all