Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all.

It doesn’t matter how much we sacrifice or offer to God in reparation for our sins if we are not truly contrite, do penance, and intend to sin no more. There is nothing we can do to make up for the weight of our sins and failings. All we can do is make up for what is lacking in Christ’s sacrifice, namely our contrition and acceptance of God’s Divine Mercy. When we sin against God we sin infinitely so and it is only through the infinite sin offering of Christ on the cross that we can be saved from the punishment that is rightfully ours. This is why Jesus had to die for us once and for all. By doing so, he offered each of us a means by which we could be consecrated to himself, filled with the Holy Spirit, and cleansed in the eyes of the Father. The difficult part for many of us is admitting we are wrong, doing penance, and amending our lives.

How can we cultivate contrite hearts? What can we do to recognize our sins and failings so that we can amend our lives? How can we give thanks to Jesus for his sacrifice for us?

O Lord, we want to be consecrated to you and do your will in all things.

Amen.