TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "God Desires Obedience and Sacrifice"

TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "God Desires Obedience and Sacrifice"

June 01, 2023. Feast of Jesus The Eternal Priest

Gospel

Mt 26, 36-42

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress.

Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” 

Reflection

Come and surrender our plans to God. Blessed Thursday on the Feast of the Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal and Great Priest. There is a popular practice among farmers wherein they offer the first harvest of crops during the Holy Mass offertory as thanksgiving to God. The first fruits of their sacrifice in farming and planting are generously given back to the Creator, Whom where everything came from. This is also the message of the Gospel to us today. Abraham obeyed God's command to offer the life of his son Isaac as a sacrificial lamb. In the end, the Lord saw Abraham's faithfulness. He is ready to give the one he loves the most even if it is difficult for him. Because of Abraham's great sacrifice and faith, God revoked the order to kill and sacrifice Isaac. Rather, God himself sent a ram that they sacrificed that day at the mountain. In the end, God the Father also declared that Abraham's race would be blessed and will grow as many as the stars in the sky. Even our Lord Jesus Christ showed His humility in the garden of Gethsemane. But at the end of His lamentation, Jesus said, "My Father, if this cup cannot be removed without me drinking it, Your will be done." Let us remember that God has no evil will. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ brought about our salvation from our sins. We received forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross. We are called to do the same today, to continue being the priest like Christ. Let us offer every fruit of our work for the greater glory of God through the examples left by Christ.

May we see the good fruits that will come about if we learn to share our abilities with others through Godly work. In the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Reflections by: T.K.R.S

Go to USCCB website for the full readings.

https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading