It is interesting to observe the different stages by which Moses prepares the Israelites into effecting the Covenant with God. Firstly, he informs them about the laws of God. In response they, in unison, agree to obey the laws. Next, Moses writes down the laws. After this, he begins the ritual of offering sacrifice. This is followed with him placing half the blood into basins, and casting the other half on the altar. He then reads from the Book of the Covenant after which, the Israelites, as one voice their readiness to observe God's laws. Finally, he sprinkles the bulls' blood onto the people as a visible sign of the Covenant. From then on, Israelites will have to repeat this ritual sacrifice year after year.

In the case of Jesus, there was also a 'sacrifice'. The disciples were asked by Jesus to prepare the Passover meal. However, Jesus himself effects the Covenant with God. He chooses where, when and how the sacrifice will take place. He himself brings the "what" to be sacrificed. There is no need for something... Jesus is the: "who" to be sacrificed. It is his body and blood that he offers to God for the world. And he does it done once and for all, and never repeats it. "It is finished" he will cry out on the cross. It is a perfect sacrifice bringing forth a new Covenant. We are the privileged recipients of the fruits of this sacrifice, most fully in the Blessed Eucharist. What a precous inheritance Jesus has given us. Do we realise it?