“Sacrifices . . . of JOY”

Psalm 27:6

Religions are all about sacrifice. The pagan ones were—whether those offered by the ancient Norseman to Oden or the tribal ones that still sometimes take place in the modern world—witness the recent killing of women in Papua New Guinea. The three “great” religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity are replete with sacrificial suggestions, encouragements and even requirements. Feel free to investigate them for yourself . . . if you dare. Let me just say that many seem senseless, others ridiculous, and a few downright dangerous! To such an extent that it makes me really doubt whether this is legitimately God’s divine desire or man’s dumb idea.

The Christian Faith teaches that the need for sacrifices ended once and for all with the death of Jesus. Certainly the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” provides the final action as well as the final word when it comes to sacrifice. And yet the concept continued to hang around. Worship is seen as a sacrifice. Granted some are so bad that it makes it feel like one is suffering, but I’m referring to the theological perspective and practice of what was historically called “The Mass”. In it the priest offers up to God Christ again as some sort of unbloody sacrifice. This hits the high point in the act of the Eucharist.

But a more prevalent opinion that cuts across denominational lines seems to be that God still requires His followers to do something special or heroic in our lives in order to please him. The believing seems to be that God will love you a little more if you give a little more, be that in terms of treasures, promoted by churches as “sacrificial giving”, time or talents. Those Christians who go “above and beyond” the call of duty in one of these areas are recognized as being more advanced on the spiritual continuum—witness, for example the ongoing infatuation with and adulation for missionaries.

All of this strikes me as curious if not downright bizarre and contrary to belief. It is absolutely clear that Christ doesn’t desire nor demand sacrifice. Just the opposite is true. He doesn’t make it a central theme in His teaching, In fact He barely mentions it at all. When He does it takes on the tone of the following from St. Mathew’s Gospel: “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice’”.

Since leaving my life as a pastor I’ve gained a greater appreciation for this and taken these words quite literally! I’m no longer motivated to serve others, give donations of money or time, or even go to church on Sunday as an act of “spiritual sacrifice”. As a result a curious and unexpected thing has happened: I actually have a new found appreciation and joy in doing those very things!

To the extent that I have a sacrifice to offer that’s it—JOY! What does it mean to make sacrifices of Joy? It means smiling at someone or speaking a kind word. It means thinking about those I love, and telling them if I get the chance. It means taking time in the early morning darkness to gaze at the full moon or the rising sun. It means listening to Bach as I’m writing this and anticipating a day that will be spent helping a friend put storm windows on her house, being with my grandchildren, and making fish soup for a welcome home party. Yes, you read that last line correctly. It means doing little things that no one may notice or care about, but which might give someone else a little bit of joy in their day. Even if it’s something as simple as reading this blog! And saying a little prayer that your sacrifices, if you make any, will also be sacrifices of Joy!