Day 50: Sacrificial Offerings

Leviticus 26:1-46 Ample blessings were in store for the Israelites if they would keep the Law. On the other hand, misfortune would befall them if they would be unfaithful. Nonetheless, God’s merciful love endures forever, and he stood always ready to forgive and reconcile his Chosen People whenever they repented of their transgressions. Peace, joy, and purification are some of the fruits of repentance through the Sacrament of Penance. (CCC 1468)


Ch 26:6 Peace represents not just the absence of war or threatening aggression; rather it is an interior harmony and contentment resulting from union with God. It is a gift and blessing of God that comes to us through our obedience to the will of God. Among the aspects of peace is a HABITUAL SERENITY even in the face of INSURMOUNTABLE HARDSHIP. (CCC 2302-2306)


Ch 26:12 God offered his very self to his Chosen People provided they were well disposed to be faithful to his covenant. Both the Old and the New Covenant are meant to lead people to an intimate union with God. (CCC 2550, 2557)


Psalm 82 The one just Judge explains that it is the role of judges to protect the rights of the weak, the poor, and the needy.


You are gods, sons of the Most High: This is either another ironic remark about the power and self-aggrandizement of the corrupt judges or a reference to the kings of the pagan nations who were considered gods themselves but were self-serving and unconcerned about true justice. (CCC 441)

(*The Didache Bible RSV-CE Ignatius Edition, 2006)



(almonds eh? I’m partial to pistachios ;) )


Prayer by Fr Mike: “Father in Heaven, we thank you for sharing your heart with us. We thank you so much for your commandments. We thank you for revealing to us your heart and how we are called to offer you our heart. Thank you for sharing your Word with us today. We ask you to please be with us in all of our moments. In our moments of darkness, and our moments of light, moments we turn away from you, and in moments when we find ourselves deep, deep in your most Sacred Heart. We make this prayer, Father, in the name of your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

ANDREW'S PARALLELS

A visual comparison between the Tent of Meeting in the wilderness, and the Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem.

Just as God commanded Israel to keep and walk in his commandments, this divine command remains in effect from Jesus in the New Covenant.

Just as God promised to walk among his people, he fullfilled that promise by becoming man- Jesus Christ.