Imagine yourself back in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.  The Temple is the only place in the whole of the Jewish world where you could perform sacrifice.  Crowds would go to the City for the High Holy Days and sacrifice innumerable animals. Josephus,the historian who lived at the time, says he observed a quarter million sheep being sacrificed for one Passover.  Some sources say that up to 1.2 million animals were sacrificed in one day. The Levites were the deacons of the day.  They set the altar up for sacrifice.  The priests would then sacrifice the animals. Another source says  the priests were standing knee deep in blood.  Can you imagine me going home to my wife Susan and saying Honey, can you get the blood off my vestments?  I need them for tomorrow…

You all heard of the scapegoat right?  There were actually two.  One was sent out into the wilderness as an atonement for the community’s sins and the other was sacrificed in the Temple, its blood sprinkled in the Holy of Holies by the priest. 

Jerusalem’s whole economy was based on the sacrificial system. Imagine the number of people involved in moving all of that livestock and selling it.  One sixth of the Mosaic Law was devoted to sacrifice. Sacrifice reminded you of your obligation to God. The first fruits and the first cattle were sacrificed. It was a way to reconcile yourself to God. There is something to be said about depriving yourself of a luxury out of obligation to God. 

In today’s Gospel we hear something really revolutionary.  The Scribe, in a moment of clarity, said obeying the Two great commandments is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifice. This statement not only challenges a fundamental religious requirement–that of sacrifice, but also challenges the whole economic system of Jerusalem. It was quite revolutionary.  And it is not so long after this discussion that Jesus himself is sacrificed on the Cross. Jesus becomes not only the perfect sacrifice, but also the perfect High Priest. 

What does this mean for us? There was criticism of the sacrificial system even at Jesus’ time. Many Jewish leaders and prophets, including John the Baptist, criticized the religious leaders for their excessive focus on ritual and sacrifice while neglecting the more important matters of justice, mercy, and faith.

The Gospel today tells us that God doesn’t want that from us.  Our disposition is important to live out the two great commandments.  We must be genuine in acting out our love of God and neighbor.  Jesus reminds us  of our obligation to God by repeating the Shema–Hear O Israel, you shall love your God–but also extends the requirement to love your neighbor as yourself. This too was revolutionary in Jewish culture, as Jesus adds to the Great Commandment. 

You are already demonstrating the first–loving God–by being here. So, my challenge to you this week is to demonstrate the Second Great Commandment with the right disposition.  Help your neighbor without grumbling.  I know it is tough to find the time, but even a small act has significance.    Perhaps you can volunteer someplace?  Maybe do a random act of kindness for someone?  Perhaps contribute to the St. Nicholas Ministry here at Church?  There is a million ways to show love to our neighbor.  Just pick one and do it.  And remember what the alternative is if you don’t do it.. You might have to bring a goat to Church next week for sacrifice.