New Testament Lesson
Hebrews 10:1-10 (NRSV)
1 Since the law has
only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form
of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that
are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who
approach. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered,
since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have
any consciousness of sin? 3 But in these sacrifices there is
a reminder of sin year after year. 4 For it is impossible for
the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently,
when Christ came into the world, he said,
"Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body you have prepared for me;
6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God'
(in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."
8 When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken
pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin
offerings" (these are offered according to the law), 9 then
he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes
the first in order to establish the second. 10 And it is by God's
will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the
body of Jesus Christ once for all.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.