“a living sacrifice” (rm 12:1)
“The just man’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.” —Sirach 35:6
The heart of love is sacrifice. Jesus was sacrificed on Calvary in the greatest act of love in history. The Lord calls us to offer our bodies to Him as living sacrifices (Rm 12:1). We are called to sacrifice “homes, brothers and sisters, mothers, children and property” for Jesus and the Gospel (Mk 10:30). “He who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise” (Sir 35:1-2). Good deeds and generosity are also sacrifices, and “God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind” (Heb 13:16). Through Jesus, we can “continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge His name” (Heb 13:15).
By our lives of sacrifice, we share in the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary (see Col 1:24). In the sacrifice of the Mass, we perpetuate, make present, and apply the continuing effects of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice on the cross (Heb 10:10, 12). In summary, our lives in Christ are lives of sacrifice centered on Jesus’ sacrifice on Calvary, which continues to be present through the sacrifice of the Mass. Be living sacrifices (Rm 12:1).
Prayer: Jesus, may I give, pray, and work sacrificially. May the word for this coming Lent be “sacrifice.”
Promise: “In generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance.” —Sir 35:7-8
Praise: St. Casimir, though prince of Poland, lived a life of sacrifices, including voluntary chastity, sleeping on the floor rather than on a royal bed, and meditating frequently throughout the night on the suffering and death of Jesus.
Reference: (For a related teaching on This is My Body, view, download or order our booklet on our website.)
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