Sacrifice and Action

BY CARLOS RODRIGUEZ | June 4, 2018
Today’s Readings

When I was younger I would blindly accept the Eucharist without truly understanding the importance of sacrifice or passion of Jesus. We all know about the breaking of the bread and wine but what are we truly called to reflect and act on when we accept the body and blood of Christ?

As I reflect on my service with others I think about how we are called to take action and “do everything the Lord has told us.” If we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made as we live out our faith and values, we can hold ourselves accountable for the dignity and humanity that we all deserve.

[Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P. via Flickr]

In the Eucharist, we are reminded to accept Jesus Christ, but we should not forget the ways in which we deny our faith by rejecting God. Just like my previous reflection stated, we must accept—not reject—the future cornerstones of our lives so that we do not reject those who have sacrificed everything for us.

For Reflection:

• How, through the sacrifice of Christ, are we called to take action?
  
• Do we commit ourselves to serve others at the Eucharist?
  
• In what ways do you remember the sacrifice of Jesus in order to live your faith and values?

Carlos Rodriguez

Carlos Rodriguez is a graduate of Seattle University where he earned a B.A. in Public Affairs. As the former Student Body President, he has used his position to talk about issues related to immigration, affordable housing, and homelessness. He has been vocal about his status as an Undocumented immigrant in hopes of bringing awareness to the complexity of immigration in the United States. Carlos is known for wearing a scarlet “U” signifying how an Undocumented status, which has been largely stigmatized in the U.S., is branded onto the lives of many Undocumented immigrants. Currently, he is a Jesuit Volunteer serving as an Anti-Trafficking and Immigration Specialist.