Holy Mass As Real Sacrifice Of Christ On The Cross

 The institution of the Memorial of the Eucharistic Sacrifice by Jesus at the Last Supper is to enable us to continue to experience the saving effects of this sacrifice by us enacting this memorial, not merely in the sense of recalling what Jesus had done but entering into the same sacrifice of our Lord on Mount Calvary in an un-bloody manner. This sacrifice is not merely some faith-filled remembrance but a real encounter, since this sacrifice is made present anew at every Mass we celebrate. The Mass makes present the sacrifice of the cross. It does not add to that sacrifice or multiply it but it is a representation of the one sacrifice made present for us in time. [Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116:12-13, 15-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16, 22-26]

Empathy and compassion.

 Why is there so much evil, injustices, war, persecution and selfishness in the world? The root cause is man’s lack of empathy and therefore compassion for his fellowmen. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord said, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” (Mt 7:12) The principle is to begin with ourselves. If we are in touch with our humanity, we will conduct ourselves accordingly. This is because as human beings we have the same desires, the same aspirations and the same needs. So what is preventing us from being in touch with our own humanity, our desires, struggles and pains? [2 Corinthians 1:1-7; Psalm 34:2-9; Matthew 5:1-12]

Character assassination.

The measure of a man’s words is determined fundamentally by the man himself, his character and his integrity. “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men.” As Christians we are called to be the salt of the earth, to purify the world of evil and sin by maintaining high standards in morality, in walking in truth and in love. We do this when we live a life of true freedom, joy, love and peace among ourselves and with others. We are also honoured to be called “the light of the world.” We are called to shine before men so that, seeing our good works, they may give praise to our Father in heaven. As light, we must show the way for people to walk in truth and love. [2 Corinthians 1:18-22; Psalm 119:129-133,135; Matthew 5:13-16]

Administering the spirit of Law.

In the gospel Jesus reminded the Jews that it is not enough simply to observe the letter of the law and feel contented and satisfied with ourselves. Rather, we are called to fulfil the Spirit of the Law. In the final analysis there is only one law, which is the law of love, of God and of our neighbour. (Mk 12: 30f) God does not seek to change us by using the laws but to heal our hearts and minds by His love and mercy. This love which God has loved us in Jesus dwells in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. (Rom 5:5) So we are able to fulfil the law of love because our nature has been transformed by the Spirit of Christ. Not only do we know what the laws are, but we have the capacity that comes from the love of God in us to obey the law. The motivation for love must come from God’s love in us. Our love for God and of our neighbours must not be given out of obligation but out of gratitude for the love that we have received from Him. [2 Corinthians 3:4-11; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 5:17-19]

Radiating the glory of God.

We who are made in the image and likeness of God should be reflecting His glory in our life. Yet we know that we have lost His likeness because of sin. We no longer reflect His holiness, His love and mercy in the way we conduct ourselves with our fellowmen. We have lost our direction in life. But God in His mercy wants to restore us by once again making us His people. [2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1.3-6; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 5:20-26]

The heart of Christianity.

In the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church celebrates the heart of Christianity, which is love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The scripture readings today invite us to ponder on the love of God for us in Christ. God’s love is a tender love. It is one of long-suffering mercy and compassion. His love is a forgiving love. Christ was pierced in the heart for us so that looking at Him, we will understand the depth of His love for us, and motivated by His love, we in turn bring His love to others. [Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9; Isaiah 12:2-6; Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19; John 19:31-37]

What does Immaculate Heart mean?

When we say someone is immaculate we mean that someone is pure and impeccable in virtues and in holiness. Mary’s immaculate heart shows us what an authentic life should be. She is the model of holiness and how we must live our life to find true happiness and peace. Her immaculate heart was shown in her purity of mind and heart. She had no evil intentions in her heart. She was not reactive even towards the enemies of her Son. She always had kind thoughts for people, never uttering anything negative about others. There was no defensiveness of any sort. Her concern was always to be of service to God and to the people. So being immaculate does not mean being less than human. It simply means that we have purity of mind and heart towards God and our fellowmen, without any selfish motives or egoistic intentions, conscious or unconscious. [Isaiah 61:9-11; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7; LK 2:41-51]