Bottom line: What do we have to offer to God? Only what we unite with the perfect sacrifice of Christ.

Welcome to Holy Week! We just listened to the account of Our Lord’s Passion according to Luke. It begins and concludes with an offering. At the beginning of the Passion Account, Jesus offers bread and wine: "This is my Body. This is my Blood." At the end he offers his entire self: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

What do you and I have to offer to God? A seventy-six year-old priest gave an insightful answer. He was celebrating his fiftieth anniversary and various people gave testimonies: How he had helped during a time of crisis. A beautiful celebration of a baptism or wedding. A homily which made a lasting impression. After listening to the testimonies, the priest stood up and thanked the people. "I have had good life," he said. "I am thankful for the blessing I have received. But, you know, when all is said and done, I have only one thing to offer God. What I offer God is God himself." He then explained how at each Mass he lifts up the Body and Blood of Christ and offers them to the Father. He concluded by saying how much he loves the Divine Mercy prayer:

"Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."

Tomorrow is the second anniversary of death of Pope John Paul II. In 2005 Easter came early and April 2 was the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday. Perhaps no man in the last century had more to offer God in terms of accomplishments. Yet he died saying the Divine Mercy prayer. Please consider making the Divine Mercy Novena. I have placed copies at the entrances of the church. The novena begins on Good Friday and continues until the Sunday after Easter, which is now known as Divine Mercy Sunday.

What do we have to offer to God? Only what we unite with the perfect sacrifice of Christ: "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."

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