To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 1, Day 3 – God Directs All Things for Good
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Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever.
Hebrews 7:25–28
Not only is the Eucharist about the abundant love of Jesus Christ; it is also about perfect satisfaction. God, in his justice, demanded a perfect sacrifice to make up for our sins, and no human being could offer such a sacrifice. Only someone who was divine and human could make the needed reparation for our fallen nature. So God in his mercy sent his Son Jesus, true God and true man, to be our Great High Priest and our perfect sacrifice. Jesus, by living a sinless human life and offering up that life on the cross, satisfied the debt for our sins.
The priests of the Old Testament had to repeat their sacrifices year after year, and these sacrifices did not come close to making satisfaction for sin. Jesus needed to offer up his perfect sacrifice only one time. The Eucharist does not repeat the sacrifice of Christ. Instead, it is the once-for-all sacrifice of Calvary.
Moreover, the Eucharist fully satisfies our deepest hunger. Our separation from God as a result of Adam’s sin leaves us with an emptiness that only Christ can fill. Through his Body and Blood, Jesus provides us with real food and real drink. As we receive the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Eternal Salvation, we know we will never hunger or thirst again. Every longing, every need, and every desire finds its fulfillment in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Questions for Reflection
Do you recognize that Jesus has made satisfaction, not just for the sins of the world, but for your personal sins as well? How do you thank him for this gift?
Do you participate fully and with gratitude in the Sacrifice of the Mass? If not, what can you do to improve this intention?
How has the Eucharist satisfied some of your deepest longings?
Praying with Scripture
“I will abundantly bless [Zion’s] provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread” (Ps 132:15).
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
