Notion of 'covenant' reminds us that Our salvation is bound together

In preparation for the first lot of Church Appeals this weekend, I have offered Catholic Mission's Ambassadors some thoughts on the readings they will be following at Masses.
• A recurring word or image in all of the readings today is ‘covenant’. The Macquarie Dictionary gives a couple of definitions for this word, including: “an agreement between two or more persons to do, or refrain from doing, some act” and, in the context of Biblical writings, a covenant is “the agreement or engagement of God with man as set forth in the Old and New Testaments”.
• On this day of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded of how the Blood of Jesus was poured out, via his death on the Cross, as part of the new covenant between God and His people. The covenant established between God and the Israelites, as shown in the first reading, and marked by the offering of bullock blood, is replaced with the blood symbolically offered by Jesus at the Last Supper.
• What all this means for us, on this day of the Catholic Mission Appeals, is that the covenant we have entered into, as Christians, involves us giving of ourselves to others. Our generosity becomes the lifeblood for those in difficult circumstances, such as poverty, oppression, disease and famine.
• For us at Catholics, when we give of ourselves, be it through time, talent or treasure, we are not only demonstrating our willingness to be good stewards but we are also honouring our obligations under the ‘new covenant’ referred to in the 2nd reading. Our actions are full of life, not death, as Paul writes to the Hebrews.
• Each time we gather for Mass, the Eucharist becomes the summit and the source of our time together. The words attributed to Jesus in today’s Gospel from Mark form key parts of our Eucharistic liturgy. As such, this Gospel should resonate quite strongly with us. However, consider what happens before Jesus proclaims those immortal statements of “Take it, this is my body” and “This is my blood…poured out for many”.
• Before that meal occurred, we hear how the disciples encountered a man with a “pitcher of water”. They then spoke to the owner of a house. Finally, they prepared an Upper Room.
• What today’s Gospel reminds us is that any meal requires preparation. It also requires us all to be involved. The Eucharist would be a barren experience if it was just the priest standing at the altar, in an empty church. Conversely, Communion would lose its sacredness if we were all there and there was no priest to repeat the words of Jesus.
• When we all come together however, faith comes to life! Catholic Mission works the same way: we can’t do much without the generosity of people such as you here at (insert name of parish you are addressing). As you take up the envelopes on your seats, perhaps consider your donations like this: they are the blood that helps us bring life to others. No matter how big or small the amount you contribute, it will bring life to many.
• On this Feast of Corpus Christi, please prayerfully consider your ability to financially support our work, both at home and overseas. Like the man carrying the jug of water, every contribution counts.

Useful references I drew upon in preparing these notes and comments included Break Open the Word (Year B – 2009). A useful website you also might like to explore are www.dailyscripture.net (click on the relevant date).

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Prayers provided as part of partnership with parishes

The following prayers of intention were prepared and distributed to parishes across the Brisbane Archdiocese, for use in Masses between June 1-7.

Gracious and merciful God: you not only sent your Son, Jesus, to die for us but you poured out your Holy Spirit on all who believe, so that we may know how to serve you and help build the Kingdom of God. Be with us now as we pray the following prayers:

For all our Church leaders, especially the Pope, our Archbishop and all the Bishops, that they will continue to lead by example and feel upheld by the Holy Spirit working in, and through, them. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For each of us and the specific part we have play in Mission, that we will feel empowered by the Holy Spirit and that we will willingly give of ourselves, no matter what the cost. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

For all children who find themselves caught up in conflict and violence, especially those who become embroiled as participants or who witness, first-hand, atrocities and cruelty. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

For the environment and our Mission to care for it, in all its glory and grandeur. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father: these prayers reflect the concerns of our hearts and minds. We ask that you will guide us all, to walk with the love of Jesus and inspired by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We make these prayers, in the name of the Faith, Son and Holy Spirit. AMEN


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