2nd Sunday before Advent
Collect
Hebrews 10: 11 – 14, 19 – 25
The letter to the Hebrews couldn’t be clearer. The old ritual as described in detail in the Old Testament, in which a jewel-bedecked and richly adorned priest spills animal blood on an altar, has been replaced by the one all-encompassing sacrifice of God’s Son. No jewels. No fine clothes. No altar – a rough -hewn piece of wood on which the Prince of Peace is the sacrificial offering seeking redemption.
However, while Christians accept that Christ’s sacrifice is complete and sufficient, the appropriate celebration of this issue remains as the cause of division between those of different denominations. Some, of a Catholic Persuasion (n.b. not just ‘Roman’ Catholic), regard the Bread as incorporating (either symbolically or in reality) the consecrated blood of Jesus, and elevate it from the Altar in the Eucharistic Prayer for all to recognise as a sacrifice we offer to God. In theological terms, this is called ‘Sacrificium’ (sacrifice).
In an opposing doctrine in more conservative Protestant Theology, around God’s Holy Table He offers His Son to us. This is referred to as ‘beneficium’ (gift giving), that is, a gift from God to the faithful rather than from the faithful to God. The celebration of thanksgiving for salvation takes place within the context of a meal, and we share bread and wine as memorial of His words at the Last Supper.
Sacrifice or memorial? Millions of words on the issue haven’t reached a resolution, and probably won’t ever. But the important point is that this must not – Must Not!!! – cause division between all who proclaim Jesus as Lord. However we understand it, it is the Spirit-led recognition of His presence at the heart of our Eucharist that changes our lives and sets us free to be His Body on earth.
Previous Posts
Praying Together 10th November 2024
Nowadays, my act of Remembrance is in working for a future for children, grandchildren and generations of every race and nation to come
Praying Together 3rd November 2024
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.
Praying Together 20th October 2024
God of all peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world, and on your people who cry out to you for healing, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Praying Together 13th October 2024
If the love of our worldly possessions prevents us from loving Him first, we’re stuck on earth.
The rich young man has a decision to make. So do we.
Praying together 29th September 2024
His truth is simple – it is Love. Love of God and Love of neighbour.
Praying Together 22nd September 2024
Who’s the GOAT?
That question is guaranteed to provoke endless argument, the claimed candidate being dependent on personal allegiances, age, culture and experience.
Praying Together 15th September 2024
Jesus makes it very clear that following him appears costly – if you measure it in human terms.
Praying Together 8th September 2024
And this is the time of the year when many young people are stepping out into a new chapter of life – first day at school or college, perhaps a first job – and as parents, we try to disguise our feelings of concern as we realise that we have to trust them to the Lord and let go.
Praying Together 25th August 2024
Violence achieves nothing towards bringing in the Kingdom of God. All it does is engender more violence.
Praying Together 18th August 2024
No ifs or buts. We are all one. Whoever, wherever. One family in Christ, even those who are not of the sheepfold.
Praying Together 11th August 2024
Trinity 11 Collect O God, you demonstrate your almighty power most clearly in showing mercy and pity: Mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, seeking to obey your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be allowed to share your...
Praying Together 4th August 2024
“Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you by the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6