CorpChristiB24.   Exodus 24:3-8.   The blood of the animals sacrificed to God and splashed on the book of the covenant (“all the words and ordinances of the Lord”) and on the people represents life that God has given to his people and to the covenant that binds his people to him.

Mark 14:12-16, 22-26.  Jesus was careful to see to the preparations for the Passover meal.  The sacrificing of the Passover lamb for the Passover meal and his offering himself in the sacrifice on the cross show the drama of our redemption.  Jesus, even though he was physically there, identified himself with the bread and wine: “this is my body;” “this is my blood.”  He used the model of the sacrificial action of the Old Testament world to convey his own offering up of himself as his one unique ‘once and for all’ sacrifice.  By Jesus’ offering himself in the Eucharistic action, he expresses his love for us in the deepest possible way.  We have Jesus himself in the Eucharist.  Jesus is saying to us, “Remain in me, as I remain in you.” (John 15:4a)

Hebrews 9:11-15.  With his own blood he obtained for us eternal redemption.  With our reception of him in Holy Communion, we celebrate both our redemption and our personal ongoing union with him.