The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052615.cfm) tells us what else we can sacrifice to God.
When we hear the word sacrifice, the first thing that comes to mind is usually related to something negative. It usually means giving up something. I will not drink softdrinks as a sacrifice. I will not eat rice or desserts. I will not shop. In ancient times, they sacrificed meat and other things. They gave these things up for God (although others did the same to false gods). However, today’s reading gives us another perspective on sacrifice – something positive.
We can sacrifice in a positive way as well.
In the first reading, we see that Instead of giving up something bad, we can start doing something good. Stop doing evil and start doing good. Do good to others. We can be more specific and have simple and doable sacrifices of praise to God - I will attend mass aside from the Sunday mass. I will start praying the rosary. I will start praying everyday. I will read the bible everyday. These are sacrifices that makes us start to do something good – for God.
God cannot be out given. Both in the first reading and the gospel, we see that no one who gives something for God who does not receive more than what he gave. That’s how generous and loving God is! The more we give up for God, the more we offer things to him, the more we give him sacrifices of praise, the more he will reward us. Not because we deserve it, or because he is pleased with us… but because the more we do these things, the more we are emptying our hearts of whatever is not of him and the more space we make for him and the blessings he can give us.
What is my notion of sacrifice? Am I aware and willing to sacrifice in a positive way? When do I praise God? Do I praise Him in all situations in my life?
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for reminding me of how else I can sacrifice to you. thank you for telling me that sacrifice need not be painful, but instead doing something good for you. help me offer sacrifices of praise, not just when I need something or during holy week, but everyday of my life. May I do simple sacrifices for you. Lord. May you be pleased with what I can give you. amen.
Have a blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
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May 26, 2015
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Reading 1 Sir 35:1-12
To keep the law is a great oblation,
and 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.
To refrain from evil pleases the LORD,
and to avoid injustice is an atonement.
Appear not before the LORD empty-handed,
for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
The just one’s offering enriches the altar
and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.
The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing,
nor will it ever be forgotten.
In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD,
be not sparing of freewill gifts.
With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
For the LORD is one who always repays,
and he will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes, these he does not accept!
Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion.
For he is a God of justice,
who knows no favorites.
Responsorial Psalm PS 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23
R. (23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Gather my faithful ones before me,
those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the heavens proclaim his justice;
for God himself is the judge.
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Hear, my people, and I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Alleluia See Mt 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Mk 10:28-31
Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters
and mothers and children and lands,
with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
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