Meaning of ‘Sacrifice’

Sacrifice. 

Most of us are familiar with the term “sacrifice,” yet do we fully comprehend the meaning? Many people struggle to understand the call to sacrifice. At times we unknowingly sacrifice for others. Other times we pay more attention as we make promises of sacrifice during penitential seasons, such as Lent and Advent. 

Yet, sacrifice is more than a temporary act of prayer. In fact, our life is possible because of someone’s sacrifice. By faith we know our Lord Jesus exemplifies the meaning of offering sacrifice and being sacrifice. The Sunday Mass readings during the next two weekends bring to light the gift of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as well as the tiniest of sacrifices, which from both come forth the promise of eternal salvation.

Most holy body & blood of Christ (Mk 14:12-26)

“Take it; this is my body … This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” 

I find it providential that Bishop Michael G. Duca lifted the dispensation for Mass as the pandemic slows on the weekend of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. What a beautiful time! This celebration, also known as Corpus Christi, reminds the faithful of the extraordinary miracle of Eucharist. Jesus instituted the Eucharist, which is described by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as “the heart of life.” 

In his book “God Is Near Us,” the pope states, “The Eucharist is a sacrifice, the presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross … God himself gives to us, that we may give in turn.” As God gave his only begotten son out of love for love, we too are called to give completely of ourselves to God and others in sacrificial acts. Pope Benedict explains “God owes us nothing, since we were the first to break the command. Despite this he comes to meet us, and in Christ, who sacrificed his life for love of all has left a temple of his glory and reconciliation.”

By the covenant in Christ’s blood, we offer sacrifice to God. But what can we possibly offer as a sacrifice to God that he has not already provided? Exactly! But we know, “God will provide … for the offering” (Gn 22:8). We present from the work of our hands (bread) and the fruit of the vine (wine) with gratitude the offering which is received by God, consecrated by the power of the Holy Spirit and becomes the body and blood of our Lord Jesus, poured out for many. 

This is Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving,” the source and summit of our faith and whereby all love flows as a wellspring of life from the side of the Lord, opened in loving sacrifice. Hence, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “At the heart of the eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s body and blood (#1333).

Jesus invites us to this banquet of joy which is a foreshadow of eternal life. The blessings which flow from actively participating in Mass and receiving the Eucharist are infinite. With Eucharist we are intimately united with Christ. With Eucharist we are preserved from future sin. With Eucharist we are united as church in the one body of Christ. With Eucharist we are more committed to the poor. With Eucharist we work for unity with other Christians. With Eucharist we fully experience a life of sacrifice and praise.

Tiny seeds (Mk 4:21-34)

For us, our acts of sacrifice are seemingly tiny as compared to the greatest sacrifice of Jesus. Yet, we must remember, Jesus already died for the salvation of the world. Our calling is to gratefully emulate the sacrificial love of Jesus in such a way that an encounter takes place with God. 

Small acts motivated with great love was a real motto of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It is in the smallest of ways that the mercy and love of God is made known. Hence, the kingdom of God is at hand.

Recall the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus compares these two: the kingdom of God and the mustard seed. Agriculturally speaking, this little seed grows into a large plant with strong branches and plenty of shade. 
 

esus, as the sower, spreads the seed, that is, the word of God, over all the earth. Cultivated by the Holy Spirit, the word grows, abounding in strength and providing a canopy for all to dwell, that being the church which springs forth from the pierced side of Christ. 

“The kingdom of God lies ahead of us. It is brought near in the word incarnate, it is proclaimed throughout the whole Gospel, and it has come in Christ’s death and resurrection. The kingdom of God has been coming since the Last Supper and, in the Eucharist, it is in our midst. The kingdom will come in glory when Christ hands it over to his father” (Catechism #2816).

Year of St. Joseph

Let us ask that by the intercession of St. Joseph, who modeled a life of sacrifice, we may confidently offer our lives for the good of others and remained rooted in the Most Holy Eucharist. Amen.    

Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.