The Ultimate Sacrifice of Christ

Author: Fr. Amala Gnana Prabhu Jesuraj
The Fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ
Reflection Date: January 28, 2025 Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Daily Readings: Hebrews 10:1-10; Mark 3:31-3

In the Epistle to the Hebrews 10:1-10, we are reminded that the old covenant with Israel was a mere shadow of the true sacrifice to come—Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the inadequacy of animal sacrifices to cleanse the conscience from sin. This serves as a poignant backdrop for understanding the magnitude of Jesus' atoning work on the cross, where He offered an eternal sacrifice through His own blood (Hebrews 10:4-10).

This reality is reinforced by Jesus' teachings in Mark 3:31-35, where He affirms that His family consists of those who do the will of the Father, rather than those bound by biological ties. Here, Jesus' declaration serves as a powerful rebuke of societal norms that often elevate external relationships over our true identity as children of God. In this passage, Jesus does not diminish the importance of family but instead emphasizes the supremacy of our relationship with Him. This reflection invites us to contemplate the depths of God's love and His unparalleled sacrifice for humanity. Jesus, the divine Word made flesh, took on the very nature of human frailty to experience death and sin on our behalf, redeeming us from the curse of the old covenant. His sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God's unwavering commitment to humanity, transcending all earthly ties and familial bonds.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this reality, embracing our identity as children of God and submitting to His divine will. May our lives reflect the depth of God's sacrifice and the unrivaled nature of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let us surrender to His will, embrace the radical call to follow Him, and, in doing so, be transformed into living epistles of the gospel, bearing witness to the unfathomable love of our heavenly Father.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, live in obedience to God’s will, and bear witness to His redeeming love.