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The Eucharist, We Become What We Eat
 

Sunday, May 29, 2005
The Body and Blood of Christ
Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14-16
Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58

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It is an awesome thing to reflect on the power and intimacy available to us in the Eucharist. The mere thought that eating and drinking in faith enables us to abide in Christ should be enough to leave us speechless. Let’s listen to Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, as he explains abiding in the Lord:

“An atheist philosopher once said: ‘Man is what he eats,’ meaning that everything in us is reduced to the organic and material components of the human body. Once again, without knowing it, an atheist has expressed the Christian mystery in the best way. Because of the Eucharist, a Christian is truly what he eats.

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16). In biblical language, the words “body” and “blood” indicate Jesus’ entire life—or better still, his life and death—not just different dimensions of who he is. This truth can lead us to a life-changing conclusion: There is no moment or experience in Jesus’ life that we cannot relive and share in communion. In fact, his whole life is present to us every time we receive his body and blood. And that is how we become what we eat.

Isn’t that astounding? At every Mass, Jesus gives himself to us completely. As we stay close to him, our lives become so entwined with Jesus’ that his thoughts, his desires, and his attitudes become ours. Ultimately, abiding in Christ means becoming the very one we receive. At Mass and in prayer today, dwell on these truths. Let them sink into your heart. And even more importantly, let the Holy Spirit fill you with a deeper desire to be in complete communion with Jesus.

“Jesus, how awesome you are! You who became flesh for us that we might receive you, abide in you, and be transformed by your whole life.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

  1. The first reading tells us to “remember” what the Lord has done for us and not to “forget” him. And yet we often receive the Eucharist in a blank or unfocused manner. How can you better use your memory of the Lord’s great love for you, and what he has done for you through his death and resurrection, in preparing to receive Christ in the Eucharist?

     
  2. We are also told we are fed by “every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” What steps can you take to better incorporate Scripture reading in your day?

     
  3. The responsorial psalm tells of all the wonderful things God has done: he has “strengthened,” “blessed,” “granted peace,” and “proclaimed his word” to us. And “with the best of wheat he fills” us. The word “eucharist” means thanksgiving. What are the things you are thankful to the Lord for

     
  4. In the second reading from the letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul says that because we all partake of the same loaf, we, though many, are one. Who are the people in your family or parish community with whom you need to be reconciled? How might you begin to break down the walls of division and unforgiveness?

     
  5. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that when we receive his body and blood, we remain in him and He in us. What are the little things you can do doing the week to make yourself more aware of his presence in you?

     
  6. The meditation says that we become what we eat. When you consider that it is the very body and blood of Christ, the statement is amazing! We become the one we receive. How strong is your desire to become one with Christ and be transformed into his image and likeness? What can you do to make this more of a reality in your life?

 

 

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen


Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen