The Passion and the Blood
Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14; Psalm 47; Mark 3:20-21
The blood of Christ accomplished what animal blood could not. We have access to Christ’s blood in order to restore our holiness. The phrase “blood of Christ” is used frequently in the New Testament to refer to Jesus’ entire atoning death and work on our behalf.
The reality of the blood of Christ as the means of atonement for sin has its origin in the Mosaic Law. Once a year, the priest was to make an offering of the blood of animals on the altar of the temple for the sins of the people. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb.9:22). But this was a blood offering that was limited in its effectiveness, which is why it had to be offered again and again. The blood of Christ was “once for all” sacrifice (Heb.7:27); yet being reenacted in the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Once the sacrifice is done, there is no need for the blood of bulls and goats.
The gospel reading literally demonstrated how Christ gave himself to the people. Christ served the people passionately that his own people felt “He has gone out of his mind.” Beloved, serving God and people literally appears as if one is out of his mind. But in truth what seems like madness to the world is wisdom in the sight of God. Christians must rise; we must wake up to the demands of our faith. Passion is not fashion. Passion is an offering even of one’s comfort and life for the sole purpose of heaven.
Today, the church presents us with the example of the Twelve-year-old Agnes. She had passion for God being a teenager one would think she was out of her mind or ignorant of life’s beauties. But on the contrary, she knew the burdens of Christ and the eternal importance of Christ’s blood. She voluntarily choose to die for Christ at a time when the Diocletian persecution was at its worst and both priests and laypeople were renouncing the faith. She made the Sign of the Cross with Christ when she was told to offer incense to false gods. As a bride on her way to her wedding feast, she hurried to the site of torment when the heathens threatened to bind her hand and foot. She was not afraid of pain. Christianity is not for babies.
Prayer
God Almighty, your Wisdom includes an understanding of what is fair, logical, true, right and eternal. I entreat you to grant me such wisdom, that my labours and worship may reflect your insight. May your wisdom flourish forever!
