Each of the readings today speaks of sacrifice in some way. To sacrifice is to give up or surrender something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important. Sacrificing our wants and desires can feel like the greatest of sacrifices. We have plans – plans for ourselves, our careers, and for those closest to us. The idea of sacrificing those plans can seem daunting. We often bargain and make excuses to avoid making these sacrifices.

However, the concept of sacrifice is central to the Christian faith. Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we get a glimpse of what it means to sacrifice. The Eucharist itself is a celebration of the ultimate sacrifice – Jesus Christ giving us his body and blood. This act of love is the cornerstone of Christian belief, reminding us that true love often involves self-giving and surrender.

In our daily lives, we are called to emulate this self-sacrificial love in smaller yet significant ways. Whether it’s dedicating time to help others, giving up personal comforts to support a loved one, or making ethical choices that go against our immediate interests, these sacrifices reflect our commitment to something greater than ourselves.

Moreover, sacrifice is not merely about loss; it is also about gain. Through sacrifice, we often find deeper meaning and fulfillment. By letting go of our own desires, we open ourselves to the possibility of something greater. The reading from Hebrews speaks of using the blood of animals for an external cleanse but expresses that the blood of Christ goes further – it cleanses our souls. It’s a reminder not to focus on the externals but to delve deeper into the internal. We can become so focused on the externals of our sacrifices, but we are encouraged to be attentive to the internal change, which has lasting effects. When we let go, something profound happens within.
Sacrifice is not merely about loss; it also involves gain. Through sacrifice, we often discover deeper meaning and fulfillment. By letting go of our desires, we open ourselves to the possibility of something greater.

The reading from Hebrews highlights the difference between the external cleansing achieved through the blood of animals and the internal cleansing brought by the blood of Christ. This serves as a reminder to not focus solely on the external aspects of sacrifice that might be temporary, but to focus on the internal transformation, which has lasting effects. While we may become preoccupied with the outward elements of our sacrifices, we are encouraged to pay attention to the internal change that occurs. When we let go, something profound happens within us.