Corpus Christi
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series VI, Cycle B
COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3-8
ItÍs a little difficult for some of us to get in the spirit of blood sacrifice these days. Still, when you consider what Moses was up against, leading those great folks out of Egypt, I suppose something vivid and memorable was necessary to impress on their consciousness the responsibilities they were promising to assume. ñWe will be obedient,'' they said as one. However, history would show that the people werenÍt able to keep this promise. The time would come when Jesus would make it clear that God does not want blood sacrifice, he wants obedience and love. Following which Jesus would himself become a blood sacrifice, not as something God desired but as something humanity ordained.
A sermon could deal with the fact that even though the people were no doubt sincere in their pledge of obedience, they werenÍt able to keep that promise. We all make that discovery. Despite our good intentions, we all have to cope with a variety of inner needs and profound desires which repeatedly drive us to do and say things which fall short of the lofty standards of the teachings of our faith. We now know that only in a partnership with the Holy Spirit are we able to get closer to those standards.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11-15
Here we find the culmination of the idea of blood sacrifice. The writer of this passage makes it clear that the only such sacrifice pleasing to God has already been made by Jesus, and we are to claim a part in that by receiving him into our hearts. ñHe is the mediator of a new covenant,'' and through him we ñmay receive the promised eternal inheritance.''
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
The institution of the Mass, Communion, the Eucharist, the LordÍs Supper. Jesus here inaugurates a new understanding of the divine-human relationship, and establishes a means of grace, a special relationship with God into which each of us is invited. In our varying religious traditions, we would all come to associate this supper with self-examination and remorse for wrongs, with repentance and sincere apology, and finally with the renewal which comes of knowing ourselves forgiven and sent away redeemed once more.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñThe Price Is Paid''
Text: Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15
Theme: No longer do we believe in heartless slaughter of animals as a way of placating God. In this passage we see the movement of humanityÍs understanding of the nature of God, the realization on the one hand that obedience and sacrifice is appropriate, yet the primitive belief in animal sacrifice. Jesus, however, would show us once and for all that no such sacrifice is necessary, that he himself has paid whatever price need be paid. Our sacrifice is to be in the form of a contrite heart and a renewed commitment to the New Covenant. I have combined the two texts inasmuch as they imply essentially the same message.
Title: ñBe Present At Our Table, Lord''
Text: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Theme: This would be what we Protestants call a Communion sermon. It would embody the elements necessary to such a service: quiet, private searching of the heart; honest admission of wrongs committed, hurts inflicted, unworthy thoughts entertained; confession; contrition; acceptance into our physical selves of the nature of Jesus; joy in newness of life; commitment to that newness of life. Out into the world.
Lesson 1: Exodus 24:3-8
ItÍs a little difficult for some of us to get in the spirit of blood sacrifice these days. Still, when you consider what Moses was up against, leading those great folks out of Egypt, I suppose something vivid and memorable was necessary to impress on their consciousness the responsibilities they were promising to assume. ñWe will be obedient,'' they said as one. However, history would show that the people werenÍt able to keep this promise. The time would come when Jesus would make it clear that God does not want blood sacrifice, he wants obedience and love. Following which Jesus would himself become a blood sacrifice, not as something God desired but as something humanity ordained.
A sermon could deal with the fact that even though the people were no doubt sincere in their pledge of obedience, they werenÍt able to keep that promise. We all make that discovery. Despite our good intentions, we all have to cope with a variety of inner needs and profound desires which repeatedly drive us to do and say things which fall short of the lofty standards of the teachings of our faith. We now know that only in a partnership with the Holy Spirit are we able to get closer to those standards.
Lesson 2: Hebrews 9:11-15
Here we find the culmination of the idea of blood sacrifice. The writer of this passage makes it clear that the only such sacrifice pleasing to God has already been made by Jesus, and we are to claim a part in that by receiving him into our hearts. ñHe is the mediator of a new covenant,'' and through him we ñmay receive the promised eternal inheritance.''
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
The institution of the Mass, Communion, the Eucharist, the LordÍs Supper. Jesus here inaugurates a new understanding of the divine-human relationship, and establishes a means of grace, a special relationship with God into which each of us is invited. In our varying religious traditions, we would all come to associate this supper with self-examination and remorse for wrongs, with repentance and sincere apology, and finally with the renewal which comes of knowing ourselves forgiven and sent away redeemed once more.
SERMON SUGGESTIONS
Title: ñThe Price Is Paid''
Text: Exodus 24:3-8, Hebrews 9:11-15
Theme: No longer do we believe in heartless slaughter of animals as a way of placating God. In this passage we see the movement of humanityÍs understanding of the nature of God, the realization on the one hand that obedience and sacrifice is appropriate, yet the primitive belief in animal sacrifice. Jesus, however, would show us once and for all that no such sacrifice is necessary, that he himself has paid whatever price need be paid. Our sacrifice is to be in the form of a contrite heart and a renewed commitment to the New Covenant. I have combined the two texts inasmuch as they imply essentially the same message.
Title: ñBe Present At Our Table, Lord''
Text: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Theme: This would be what we Protestants call a Communion sermon. It would embody the elements necessary to such a service: quiet, private searching of the heart; honest admission of wrongs committed, hurts inflicted, unworthy thoughts entertained; confession; contrition; acceptance into our physical selves of the nature of Jesus; joy in newness of life; commitment to that newness of life. Out into the world.
