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detail in the Old Testament, in which a jewel-bedecked and richly adorned priest spills animal blood on an altar, has been replaced by the one all-encompassing sacrifice of God’s Son.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 6th August 2023
The prophecy is fulfilled, the light has come, the day will dawn and the morning star will rise in our hearts. Hallelujah.
Praying Together 30th July 2023
The treasure is there – it just needs to be found. We search for truth, and realise that Jesus is the truth; the way; and the life.
Praying Together 23rd July 2023
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Praying Together 9th July 2023
‘What do I have to do to be free?’, they ask. What will it cost me?
Just believe, He says. I’ll buy it for you. On a cross
Praying Together 25th June 2023
When we are baptised in Christ, washed free of our past, we have the opportunity of starting again. We try – and will inevitably fail. But that mustn’t stop us trying.
Praying Together 18th June 2023
Someone once asked who would be the best person to talk about Jesus to a lorry driver. To which the answer is ‘another lorry driver’.
Praying Together 11th June 2023
Faith is to know that however cold the winter, however dark the night, a new Spring morning will flood creation with light and warmth.
Praying Together 28th May 2023
Who does God send to tell the World?
You.
Praying Together 21st May 2023
People ask how to discern truth from the well-crafted lies of the enemy. Protected by His promise, the answer is simple. In prayer, just ask whether you can see Jesus in their words and deeds.
Praying Together 14th May 2023
We too are challenged to live as disciples. We have the benefit of scripture and history. We know that the story will end with Christ victorious.
Praying Together 7th May 2023
He is the Way. On our journey, there will be signposts that will ensure we keep to the path. Prayer. Scripture. Worship. Spiritual guides. He walks alongside – even if sometimes we don’t recognise Him.
Praying Together 30th April 2023
Jesus uses the metaphor of the sheep and the shepherd to describe the relationship between leaders and the people they lead.