Scripture Study for

In preparation for the sacrifice that would seal the covenant, Moses erected  symbols that represented the partners of the covenant: an altar, which generally  connoted the presence of the deity; and twelve pillars that stood for the totality  of the people. Two sacrifices were offered, the holocaust and the peace offering.  Blood was poured. This was the most solemn and binding part of the sacrifice  that sealed the covenant. Finally the law was read. Moses maintains that the  blood ritual ratifies the covenant that the words both describe and fashion. The  interplay between word and action is quite clear. Neither can adequately perform  its role alone. 

Several features of the ritual performed during the Day of Atonement serve as  a model of the high priesthood of Christ. He entered the Holy of Holies, just as  the high priest did yearly on that solemn occasion to sprinkle blood on the mercy  seat. Both ritual acts made amends for sin. However, there is a finality to what  Christ did. The new covenant promised by the prophet (see Jeremiah 31:31) has  been established, and Christ is its mediator. Since some kind of sacrifice is the  foundation of any covenant, the action of Christ not only atones for sin, but also  inaugurates a new covenant, one that promises an eternal inheritance.

The Gospel reading for today is an account of the institution of the Eucharist,  which took place during the Passover meal. The symbolism of the memorial meal  recalls the covenant of old and reinterprets it. Eating bread together was an  expression of companionship; the reference to the blood of the covenant recalls  the ratification of the earlier covenant made through the blood of the sacrifice.  Jesus alludes to the messianic banquet of the future, the banquet already present in his body and blood, which will be fully realized when the reign of God is  brought to fulfillment.