Leviticus — Chapter 7

The trespass-offering (asham) described in Lev. 7:1-7 is called most holy (sanctum sanctorum). Lapide: this designation shows that the expiatory sacrifices were more sacred in their theological significance than even the Sabbath and the feasts. The sin-offering and trespass-offering directly address the fundamental problem of the human condition — guilt before God — and therefore rank highest in the sacrificial order, as the Mass, which is supremely expiatory, ranks above all other prayers.

The various species of peace-offerings — for thanksgiving, for a vow, and voluntary — signify the three principal motives of prayer and sacrifice: gratitude for benefits received, the fulfilment of vows made in necessity, and the free overflow of devotion. Lapide says these are also the three movements of the Mass: thanksgiving (eucharistia), oblation from necessity and debt, and the spontaneous self-offering of love.

Flesh touched by unclean things may not be eaten; it must be burned with fire (Lev. 7:19). Lapide: the Eucharist, the most holy flesh, must be received only by those cleansed from mortal sin. The warning against receiving holy food in a state of uncleanness is the Levitical foundation of the Church's law of fasting before Communion and of the grave obligation not to receive the Eucharist in mortal sin (1 Cor. 11:27-29).