Become What You Are
I desire mercy, not sacrifice. (Matthew 12:7)
Jesus reminds his hearers that God desires mercy and not sacrifice, he is not condemning the act of ritual sacrifice. Rather he wanted them to understand that since the purpose of sacrifice is to bring us into closer union with God, worship should make us more like God. What is God like? One aspect of God is his compassion and mercy. The Paschal mystery which we celebrate at the Eucharist (Mass) is the revelation of God’s passion and mercy. Through Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection we are redeemed and made whole. St. Augustine said, "Believe what you see, see what you believe and become what you are: the Body of Christ." When we say "Amen", we are saying "Yes! I believe this is the Body and Blood of Christ and that I will be the Body of Christ to others."
How can I be Christ to others today?
“Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on the world; yours are the feet with which he walks to do good; yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.” St Teresa of Ávila (1515-82)
Mary, you are the vessel and tabernacle containing all Mysteries, draw us closer to your Son. Hail Mary full of grace…
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen