God has established his covenant with us
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: All three texts center around the idea that God has established his covenant with us, sealed in blood. The New Testament readings see Christ as both the lamb and the high priest.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
After Moses and the elders commune with the Lord on the mountain, Moses builds an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars of stone, representing the twelve tribes. He assembles the people for a covenant ceremony. The people agreed to obey the Lord's commands as delivered by Moses. In witness to the covenant between God and the people, Moses ordered that many beasts be sacrificed. He took half the blood and dashed it against the altar, representing God's portion of the agreement. Then, he flung the other portion of the blood over the people, as a sign of the commitment of the people to their God. Afterward Moses announced: "See the blood of the covenant that the Lord made with you in accordance with all these words" (v. 8). The blood was a visible sign of their covenant with God.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
The new covenant is contrasted with the old as it relates to the function of the high priest. To get the context of this passage, you should read Hebrews 8--9. The high priest entered the Holy Place once a year to atone for his sins and those of his people but Christ entered the holy place of the cross once and for all. Christ's body is itself the tent or tabernacle through which he entered the holy of holies (the cross); there he offered a perfect and eternal sacrifice. The blood of sheep and goats could atone for sins for a time, but the blood of Christ brings us eternal redemption.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
This is the story of the institution of the Eucharist, during our Lord's last Passover. Jesus sends two of his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, instructing them to find a man carrying a water jar and to follow him. Such a man would stand out because men did not customarily carry water jars. That was the work of women. Mark heightens the drama of our Lord's impending crucifixion by stating that this took place on the day "when the Passover lamb is sacrificed." Thus, this phrase carries a double meaning. During the Passover meal, Jesus takes the bread, breaks it and offers it to his disciples saying: "Take: this is my body." After they passed the cup, he announced: "This is my blood of the covenant." Some authorities add the word "new" before covenant, which makes better sense. Jesus offers a new covenant of grace that is written in blood. Unlike the old covenant, it is the blood of God's own Son.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 126 - "Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying the sheaves" (v. 6).
Prayer Of The Day
O Lord our God, king of the universe, we poor sinners throw ourselves on your mercy. With high praise, we gladly receive the sacrifice of your holy body and precious blood, the bread of heaven. In the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God and our great high priest. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
Get it in writing (v. 4). This text seems to suggest that Moses, first of all, gave the people a verbal rendition of what the Lord had told him, which they agreed to obey. Verse 4 states that Moses wrote down what the Lord communicated to him. There is something about writing that makes one's commitment and word more fixed, indelible and real. For that reason, you should never write to another person angry and hurtful words. They can never be totally erased. In the same vein, an agreement between parties becomes more firmly established if it is recorded. Our recollection of what we said becomes hazy, but the written word does not change, unless amended.
Sealed in blood. The covenant that God established with his people he sealed with blood. First, he splashed the blood against the altar, symbolizing God's commitment to give himself to his people. The Lord took the lead in establishing the covenant. Then, after Moses read the covenant to the people, he scattered the blood over the people in token that they had pledged their lives to God and his covenant. The New Covenant is also sealed in blood, the blood of Christ. Through faith in the God of our baptism, we are saved by Christ's blood.
Good intentions aren't enough (vv. 3b, 7b). "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." The people of Israel undoubtedly were sincere when they committed themselves unequivocably to the covenant. Maybe they were overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment, as they witnessed from a distance the awesome majesty of God. At any rate, they must have meant it, but their resolve was not strong enough to endure. That is why I don't make New Year's resolutions. I have little faith in the power of human resolve, least of all my own. That is where the Old Covenant is lacking. Though it tells us what to do, it provides no engine to keep us on the pathway of peace. The New Covenant, through the power of the Holy Spirit, provides the horsepower to carry us to our destination.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
The already and the not yet (v. 11). "High priest of the good things that have come." Other ancient authorities put this in the future; Jesus is high priest of the good things that "are to come." Both translations fit theologically. Jesus entered into his high priestly function on the cross and this ministry presently benefits those who trust in him. However, Christ's atoning work will not be complete until the parousia. We live on the bridge between the already and the not yet.
Deep down clean (vv. 13--14). These verses bring to light an interesting analogy; the bloody sacrifices of the old covenant sanctify worshippers so that their "flesh" is cleansed, but the blood of Christ cleanses our conscience. The old covenant brought ceremonial cleansing, a type of super--ficial purging, but the blood of Christ cleans deep down to the center of our being, regenerating our conscience.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
Preparations (v. 12). The Lord's disciples inquired about where he wanted them to prepare for the Passover. Jesus instructed them to follow a man with a water jar, who would lead them to the right place. Already, other preparations were taking place. Judas had gone to the temple officials and offered to hand Jesus over to them. Judas probably intended something other than Jesus' death, yet God uses even the failed schemes and deceits of sinful people to accomplish his purposes. Judas made his own preparations, which led to his doom, but the other disciples consulted the Lord and were partakers of his body and blood.
The blood of damnation or salvation. It seems that Judas got into trouble because he wanted to play God by forcing Jesus' hand. When his plot led to the Lord's crucifixion, Judas was drowned by his blood guilt. Judas was destroyed by the blood of Jesus, because he didn't repent, but the other disciples were saved by Jesus' blood, like the Hebrews who were covered by the lamb's blood during the first Passover in Egypt. Depending on our attitude toward Christ, his blood either acquits us or convicts us.
New covenant (v. 24). The word "new" is employed by some ancient manuscripts but deleted by others. If the word is left out, it implies that what Jesus is doing is in continuity with the Old Testament covenants. There is great truth here. However, the insertion of the word "new" shows that what Jesus is doing rises far above and beyond anything that God had previously done. This too, by faith, remains undeniable. God had previously offered remedies for sins but, in Christ, God was and is offering himself as that remedy. This was brand--spanking--new.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
Sermon Title: Signed In Blood
Sermon Angle: The gruesome murders at the Sharon Tate mansion by the followers of Charles Manson created a media sensation. Inscribed in blood on the wall was this cryptic message: "Pigs." We might say that the Manson family were blood brothers and sisters in the most horrific sense of the word. The people of Israel were also blood brothers and sisters in the family of God. Half of the blood from the sacrificed victims was thrown against the altar, symbolizing God's commitment to his covenant. The other half of the blood was collected in basins, and after Moses had finished reading the covenant to the people, it was flung over the multitude. The message was clear; they were offering their very lives to Yahweh. They were children of God and blood brothers and sisters. The New Testament develops this idea much further by asserting that God offered his blood on our behalf in order to establish a new covenant of grace. God has established a covenant with us signed in blood, his blood.
Outline:
1. In a destructive sense, those in the Charles Manson clan were blood brothers and sisters.
2. In a redemptive sense, God established his covenant with the Jews, signed in blood.
3. In Christ, God made a new covenant, signed with the blood of Jesus, his Son.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
Sermon Title: Dying Testate
Sermon Angle: "For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established" (v. 16). Before one can inherit money or property bequeathed in a last will and testament, a death certificate must be issued. It must be firmly established that the original owner of the property is really dead. Some have tried to fake death in order to collect insurance. The writer of Hebrews states that Jesus really did die. This is necessary so that what Jesus bequeathed to us might rightfully be conveyed to us. Not only did Jesus really die, but also he had established a will conveying his gifts to all who are members of his family. What did the Lord leave us? Not property or money. No, he conveyed to us forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. The inheritance goes to all who are his family through baptism and faith. Because Jesus died testate, and his will is recognized by the supreme court of the universe, we can inherit an eternal estate.
Outline:
1. When someone dies, the death must legally be established and recorded. Once that is accomplished, it must be determined if there is a legally binding will.
2. The New Testament witnesses declare that Jesus really died (and rose) and that he left his last will and testament.
3. Christ wills to be our high priest and free us from our sins (v. 15).
4. Strive for Christ's eternal inheritance, not to amass an earthly estate.
__________
In the movie Rain Man Charlie receives word that his father has died. He has been estranged from his father for years and only goes back to hear the reading of the will. Charlie discovers that his wealthy father has left him only a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible, the cause of their alienation, and some prize rose bushes. He is shocked to learn that the remainder of his father's estate went to an anonymous person. To cut to the quick, Charlie finds the identity of this mystery person to be his brother, Raymond, living in an institution for those with mental and emotional disabilities. Raymond's particular affliction is autism. Charlie decides to kidnap his brother and drive him back to California. His intent is to use his brother as a bargaining chip in a high stakes game to get half of his father's estate. When, at the end of the movie, the trustee for his father's estate offers Charlie a very large check in order to settle the dispute and get Raymond back, he refuses. Rather, he sends his brother back without strings attached. He has, to his great surprise, inherited a brother, whom he is learning to love. In a sense, he is also becoming reconciled with his father, by submitting to his will.
Through Christ's last will and testament, we gain both a Father and a family to love.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
Sermon Title: Prepare For The Feast
Sermon Angle: Verses 12--16 speak to the need to prepare to meet God in worship. The disciples asked, "Where would you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" (v. 12b). Worship that transforms those who preside at the feast and those who celebrate the feast as participants requires careful preparation. Though the Lord sometimes surprises us, he most often comes when our hearts and minds are prepared to meet him. The ministers of the feast ought to give careful attention to detail, for they serve as the Lord's hosts. However, all ministers of the feast and participants in the feast must give the greatest concentration of effort to spiritual preparations. Fasting, prayer, and confession are some of the ways that we can make ready for the feast of Christ. However, the best preparation is a life of disciplined obedience.
Outline:
1. The disciples carefully prepared for the Passover, as Jesus meticulously prepared to sacrifice himself (vv. 12--16).
2. Worship and the Eucharist require careful preparation.
3. As you prepare for church, are you also preparing to personally and corporately encounter the Lord of the Feast?
4. If we truly prepare, we will leave communion with a joyful and full heart.
Sermon Title: The Taste Of New Wine
Sermon Angle: When Jesus consecrated the Passover wine and offered it to his disciples, he pronounced: "This is my blood of the (new) covenant poured out for many" (v. 24). It was the old Passover feast and same old wine, yet, Jesus was transforming it into something new. It was a taste of new wine. Christianity is meant to offer the world something new, fresh, and transforming. This wine was not the wine of mere remembrance. This wine was Jesus' blood, conveying his life and Spirit. Those who receive Jesus by word and sacrament will not be satisfied with an occasional sip of his new wine; they will want to drink deeply and daily. Yet, even this new wine will yield to something even more satisfying in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus remarked: "I tell 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" (v. 25).
Outline:
1. Jesus' statement: "This is my blood of the (new) covenant" suggests that what he offers is really a taste of new wine.
2. Both the old and new wine (covenant) are signs of God's redemption, but only the new wine (new relationship) offered by Jesus has transforming power.
3. The Passover celebrated God's past acts of redemption and held the hope of a future salvation but could not give God's saving Spirit in the here and now.
4. As we receive Jesus' blood poured out for us all, may we also allow our lives to be poured out for others, that they might enjoy the taste of Jesus' new wine.
__________
In certain dire circumstances, humans have had to resort to eating the flesh of their fellow human beings. The book Alive tells the fascinating and inspiring story of a planeload of Argentine passengers who became marooned high in the Andes Mountains after a plane crash. After several days, their meager rations of food were exhausted. Gnawing, persistent hunger forced them to break an ancient taboo against eating human flesh. After a discussion of the possibility of eating their dead comrades, four men got up and went outside. They removed the snow from one of the bodies. One of the men knelt down, exposed the buttocks of one of the victims, and with a jagged piece of glass began to strip thin pieces of human meat, each about the size of a match stick. He put about twenty pieces on the roof of the plane to thaw in the sun, went inside the plane, and told his companions where they might find meat. No one came. This man, Canessa, took it upon himself to break the ice. He prayed that God might give him the strength to do what he knew to be right and necessary for the survival of those who were yet alive. He hesitated. Even with his strong resolve, the horror of the act he was about to commit paralyzed him. His hand would neither rise to his mouth nor fall to his side. Finally, his will won out over his revulsion, as he slowly lifted the thin strip of flesh over his mouth and dropped it in. A wave of triumph flashed across his face. He knew that they would survive. That night, several people went outside to eat.
We too live, not just survive, by eating Christ's body and drinking Christ's blood, given and shed for you, for me, and for all.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
After Moses and the elders commune with the Lord on the mountain, Moses builds an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars of stone, representing the twelve tribes. He assembles the people for a covenant ceremony. The people agreed to obey the Lord's commands as delivered by Moses. In witness to the covenant between God and the people, Moses ordered that many beasts be sacrificed. He took half the blood and dashed it against the altar, representing God's portion of the agreement. Then, he flung the other portion of the blood over the people, as a sign of the commitment of the people to their God. Afterward Moses announced: "See the blood of the covenant that the Lord made with you in accordance with all these words" (v. 8). The blood was a visible sign of their covenant with God.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
The new covenant is contrasted with the old as it relates to the function of the high priest. To get the context of this passage, you should read Hebrews 8--9. The high priest entered the Holy Place once a year to atone for his sins and those of his people but Christ entered the holy place of the cross once and for all. Christ's body is itself the tent or tabernacle through which he entered the holy of holies (the cross); there he offered a perfect and eternal sacrifice. The blood of sheep and goats could atone for sins for a time, but the blood of Christ brings us eternal redemption.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
This is the story of the institution of the Eucharist, during our Lord's last Passover. Jesus sends two of his disciples to prepare for the Passover meal, instructing them to find a man carrying a water jar and to follow him. Such a man would stand out because men did not customarily carry water jars. That was the work of women. Mark heightens the drama of our Lord's impending crucifixion by stating that this took place on the day "when the Passover lamb is sacrificed." Thus, this phrase carries a double meaning. During the Passover meal, Jesus takes the bread, breaks it and offers it to his disciples saying: "Take: this is my body." After they passed the cup, he announced: "This is my blood of the covenant." Some authorities add the word "new" before covenant, which makes better sense. Jesus offers a new covenant of grace that is written in blood. Unlike the old covenant, it is the blood of God's own Son.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 126 - "Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying the sheaves" (v. 6).
Prayer Of The Day
O Lord our God, king of the universe, we poor sinners throw ourselves on your mercy. With high praise, we gladly receive the sacrifice of your holy body and precious blood, the bread of heaven. In the name of Jesus, the Lamb of God and our great high priest. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
Get it in writing (v. 4). This text seems to suggest that Moses, first of all, gave the people a verbal rendition of what the Lord had told him, which they agreed to obey. Verse 4 states that Moses wrote down what the Lord communicated to him. There is something about writing that makes one's commitment and word more fixed, indelible and real. For that reason, you should never write to another person angry and hurtful words. They can never be totally erased. In the same vein, an agreement between parties becomes more firmly established if it is recorded. Our recollection of what we said becomes hazy, but the written word does not change, unless amended.
Sealed in blood. The covenant that God established with his people he sealed with blood. First, he splashed the blood against the altar, symbolizing God's commitment to give himself to his people. The Lord took the lead in establishing the covenant. Then, after Moses read the covenant to the people, he scattered the blood over the people in token that they had pledged their lives to God and his covenant. The New Covenant is also sealed in blood, the blood of Christ. Through faith in the God of our baptism, we are saved by Christ's blood.
Good intentions aren't enough (vv. 3b, 7b). "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." The people of Israel undoubtedly were sincere when they committed themselves unequivocably to the covenant. Maybe they were overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment, as they witnessed from a distance the awesome majesty of God. At any rate, they must have meant it, but their resolve was not strong enough to endure. That is why I don't make New Year's resolutions. I have little faith in the power of human resolve, least of all my own. That is where the Old Covenant is lacking. Though it tells us what to do, it provides no engine to keep us on the pathway of peace. The New Covenant, through the power of the Holy Spirit, provides the horsepower to carry us to our destination.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
The already and the not yet (v. 11). "High priest of the good things that have come." Other ancient authorities put this in the future; Jesus is high priest of the good things that "are to come." Both translations fit theologically. Jesus entered into his high priestly function on the cross and this ministry presently benefits those who trust in him. However, Christ's atoning work will not be complete until the parousia. We live on the bridge between the already and the not yet.
Deep down clean (vv. 13--14). These verses bring to light an interesting analogy; the bloody sacrifices of the old covenant sanctify worshippers so that their "flesh" is cleansed, but the blood of Christ cleanses our conscience. The old covenant brought ceremonial cleansing, a type of super--ficial purging, but the blood of Christ cleans deep down to the center of our being, regenerating our conscience.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
Preparations (v. 12). The Lord's disciples inquired about where he wanted them to prepare for the Passover. Jesus instructed them to follow a man with a water jar, who would lead them to the right place. Already, other preparations were taking place. Judas had gone to the temple officials and offered to hand Jesus over to them. Judas probably intended something other than Jesus' death, yet God uses even the failed schemes and deceits of sinful people to accomplish his purposes. Judas made his own preparations, which led to his doom, but the other disciples consulted the Lord and were partakers of his body and blood.
The blood of damnation or salvation. It seems that Judas got into trouble because he wanted to play God by forcing Jesus' hand. When his plot led to the Lord's crucifixion, Judas was drowned by his blood guilt. Judas was destroyed by the blood of Jesus, because he didn't repent, but the other disciples were saved by Jesus' blood, like the Hebrews who were covered by the lamb's blood during the first Passover in Egypt. Depending on our attitude toward Christ, his blood either acquits us or convicts us.
New covenant (v. 24). The word "new" is employed by some ancient manuscripts but deleted by others. If the word is left out, it implies that what Jesus is doing is in continuity with the Old Testament covenants. There is great truth here. However, the insertion of the word "new" shows that what Jesus is doing rises far above and beyond anything that God had previously done. This too, by faith, remains undeniable. God had previously offered remedies for sins but, in Christ, God was and is offering himself as that remedy. This was brand--spanking--new.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3--8
Sermon Title: Signed In Blood
Sermon Angle: The gruesome murders at the Sharon Tate mansion by the followers of Charles Manson created a media sensation. Inscribed in blood on the wall was this cryptic message: "Pigs." We might say that the Manson family were blood brothers and sisters in the most horrific sense of the word. The people of Israel were also blood brothers and sisters in the family of God. Half of the blood from the sacrificed victims was thrown against the altar, symbolizing God's commitment to his covenant. The other half of the blood was collected in basins, and after Moses had finished reading the covenant to the people, it was flung over the multitude. The message was clear; they were offering their very lives to Yahweh. They were children of God and blood brothers and sisters. The New Testament develops this idea much further by asserting that God offered his blood on our behalf in order to establish a new covenant of grace. God has established a covenant with us signed in blood, his blood.
Outline:
1. In a destructive sense, those in the Charles Manson clan were blood brothers and sisters.
2. In a redemptive sense, God established his covenant with the Jews, signed in blood.
3. In Christ, God made a new covenant, signed with the blood of Jesus, his Son.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11--15
Sermon Title: Dying Testate
Sermon Angle: "For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established" (v. 16). Before one can inherit money or property bequeathed in a last will and testament, a death certificate must be issued. It must be firmly established that the original owner of the property is really dead. Some have tried to fake death in order to collect insurance. The writer of Hebrews states that Jesus really did die. This is necessary so that what Jesus bequeathed to us might rightfully be conveyed to us. Not only did Jesus really die, but also he had established a will conveying his gifts to all who are members of his family. What did the Lord leave us? Not property or money. No, he conveyed to us forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. The inheritance goes to all who are his family through baptism and faith. Because Jesus died testate, and his will is recognized by the supreme court of the universe, we can inherit an eternal estate.
Outline:
1. When someone dies, the death must legally be established and recorded. Once that is accomplished, it must be determined if there is a legally binding will.
2. The New Testament witnesses declare that Jesus really died (and rose) and that he left his last will and testament.
3. Christ wills to be our high priest and free us from our sins (v. 15).
4. Strive for Christ's eternal inheritance, not to amass an earthly estate.
__________
In the movie Rain Man Charlie receives word that his father has died. He has been estranged from his father for years and only goes back to hear the reading of the will. Charlie discovers that his wealthy father has left him only a 1949 Buick Roadmaster convertible, the cause of their alienation, and some prize rose bushes. He is shocked to learn that the remainder of his father's estate went to an anonymous person. To cut to the quick, Charlie finds the identity of this mystery person to be his brother, Raymond, living in an institution for those with mental and emotional disabilities. Raymond's particular affliction is autism. Charlie decides to kidnap his brother and drive him back to California. His intent is to use his brother as a bargaining chip in a high stakes game to get half of his father's estate. When, at the end of the movie, the trustee for his father's estate offers Charlie a very large check in order to settle the dispute and get Raymond back, he refuses. Rather, he sends his brother back without strings attached. He has, to his great surprise, inherited a brother, whom he is learning to love. In a sense, he is also becoming reconciled with his father, by submitting to his will.
Through Christ's last will and testament, we gain both a Father and a family to love.
Gospel: Mark 14:12--16, 22--26
Sermon Title: Prepare For The Feast
Sermon Angle: Verses 12--16 speak to the need to prepare to meet God in worship. The disciples asked, "Where would you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" (v. 12b). Worship that transforms those who preside at the feast and those who celebrate the feast as participants requires careful preparation. Though the Lord sometimes surprises us, he most often comes when our hearts and minds are prepared to meet him. The ministers of the feast ought to give careful attention to detail, for they serve as the Lord's hosts. However, all ministers of the feast and participants in the feast must give the greatest concentration of effort to spiritual preparations. Fasting, prayer, and confession are some of the ways that we can make ready for the feast of Christ. However, the best preparation is a life of disciplined obedience.
Outline:
1. The disciples carefully prepared for the Passover, as Jesus meticulously prepared to sacrifice himself (vv. 12--16).
2. Worship and the Eucharist require careful preparation.
3. As you prepare for church, are you also preparing to personally and corporately encounter the Lord of the Feast?
4. If we truly prepare, we will leave communion with a joyful and full heart.
Sermon Title: The Taste Of New Wine
Sermon Angle: When Jesus consecrated the Passover wine and offered it to his disciples, he pronounced: "This is my blood of the (new) covenant poured out for many" (v. 24). It was the old Passover feast and same old wine, yet, Jesus was transforming it into something new. It was a taste of new wine. Christianity is meant to offer the world something new, fresh, and transforming. This wine was not the wine of mere remembrance. This wine was Jesus' blood, conveying his life and Spirit. Those who receive Jesus by word and sacrament will not be satisfied with an occasional sip of his new wine; they will want to drink deeply and daily. Yet, even this new wine will yield to something even more satisfying in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus remarked: "I tell 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" (v. 25).
Outline:
1. Jesus' statement: "This is my blood of the (new) covenant" suggests that what he offers is really a taste of new wine.
2. Both the old and new wine (covenant) are signs of God's redemption, but only the new wine (new relationship) offered by Jesus has transforming power.
3. The Passover celebrated God's past acts of redemption and held the hope of a future salvation but could not give God's saving Spirit in the here and now.
4. As we receive Jesus' blood poured out for us all, may we also allow our lives to be poured out for others, that they might enjoy the taste of Jesus' new wine.
__________
In certain dire circumstances, humans have had to resort to eating the flesh of their fellow human beings. The book Alive tells the fascinating and inspiring story of a planeload of Argentine passengers who became marooned high in the Andes Mountains after a plane crash. After several days, their meager rations of food were exhausted. Gnawing, persistent hunger forced them to break an ancient taboo against eating human flesh. After a discussion of the possibility of eating their dead comrades, four men got up and went outside. They removed the snow from one of the bodies. One of the men knelt down, exposed the buttocks of one of the victims, and with a jagged piece of glass began to strip thin pieces of human meat, each about the size of a match stick. He put about twenty pieces on the roof of the plane to thaw in the sun, went inside the plane, and told his companions where they might find meat. No one came. This man, Canessa, took it upon himself to break the ice. He prayed that God might give him the strength to do what he knew to be right and necessary for the survival of those who were yet alive. He hesitated. Even with his strong resolve, the horror of the act he was about to commit paralyzed him. His hand would neither rise to his mouth nor fall to his side. Finally, his will won out over his revulsion, as he slowly lifted the thin strip of flesh over his mouth and dropped it in. A wave of triumph flashed across his face. He knew that they would survive. That night, several people went outside to eat.
We too live, not just survive, by eating Christ's body and drinking Christ's blood, given and shed for you, for me, and for all.
