February 11

First Sunday after Epiphany

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1.

AFTER the pattern of the Holy Child obedient to the law, we, in obedience to the law of Christ, the true Lamb of God, Christ our Passover, Who is sacrificed for us, are called upon to present ourselves, not as the slain animals of old, but a "living" sacrifice, i.e. the offering of our whole lives; "holy," free from sin, as the lamb of old without spot or blemish; "acceptable to God," for of those former sacrifices it is said that they were not acceptable: "Sacrifice and meat-offering Thou wouldest not, but mine ear hast Thou opened." I will praise the Name of God, this shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock. And this is our "reasonable service," that is, the true worship of the rational soul, as distinguished from the carnal ordinances of the Jews. Endeavour to offer up everything, make acts of willing acceptance. Let your soul lie before Him ready to be despoiled of one thing after another as He may see fit, for the perfection of sacrifice lies in self-surrender.

Holy off'rings rich and rare, Offerings of praise and prayer! Purer life and purpose high, Clasped hands and lifted eye; Lowly acts of adoration To the God of our salvation; On His altar laid we leave them, Christ, present them; God, receive them.

Homage of each humble heart, Ere we from Thy house part, Worship fervent, deep and high, Adoration! ecstasy! All that childlike love can render Of devotion true and tender, On Thine altar laid we leave them, Christ, present them; God, receive them.