An Impossible Oblation

on the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

When grace does show up - that Guest who makes possible what would otherwise be impossible for us of our own strength - we can pour ourselves out in love for others, even as that grace of God is poured freely into us.

The word oblation is heard in the celebration of the Mass. It refers, in that context, to being poured out. “Lord, accept this oblation of our service…” We bind ourselves to God in oblation by pouring forth prayers from our hearts to God at the altar as a libation.

But the word oblation also - and firstly - the Church’s way of universally acknowledging before God the Father that it is Christ who first pours Himself out for us, biding Himself to us in love, making it possible for us to pour ourselves out with Him, as we do at Mass.

This is also why we refer to Sunday Mass as an obligation. We are obliged by the One who pours Himself out for us on the cross. The crucifix in the sanctuary is a constant reminder of what we’re doing at Mass.

But again, it’s grace that makes us strong enough to make this offering with a strength not our own.

So when we think of the martyrs, therefore, we may shudder at the thought of their deaths, such radical oblations. But we should always remember how they were able to pour themselves out like that. Grace showed up. +