Eternal Life-giving Food

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

God feeding a hungry people is a cherished memory in the Jewish tradition. In his farewell speech to the Israelites, Moses calls upon the people to remember  how God gave them food and drink during their many years in the desert. The  manna was “something unknown to your fathers,” and the water flowed forth from  a “flinty rock.” The water and manna were wondrous signs of God’s presence and  care as the Israelites journeyed to a new land. 

Jesus proclaimed himself as the living bread come down from heaven, bringing eternal life to all who eat it. We approach the table of the Eucharist to receive the bread and drink the wine, the Body and Blood of Christ made present  through the power of the Holy Spirit. Again, something wondrous is happening. 

We remember that Jesus did this on the night before he died, and told his  disciples to “do this in memory of me.” When we do this, the saving event of  Christ’s death and resurrection is made present in the broken bread and wine  poured out for us. We enter into communion with the risen Lord and one another. 

Through our sharing in the memorial meal, Christ re-members us as his body  and sends us out to witness to God’s fidelity in the past and God’s promise for  the future: a world renewed, restored, reborn in the Spirit. God continues to feed  us on the road from slavery to freedom, from death to life. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Are you able to see beyond the morsel of bread and sip from the  cup to recognize God feeding you and drawing you into communion  with the Son and all who are fed? 
  • Do you connect the Eucharist with the mission of the Church in the  world, when you hear: “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord”? 

Responding to the Word

Today’s feast has a special hymn called a “Sequence” before the Gospel.  Some of the images and ideas are: Jesus good shepherd and true bread, have  mercy on us; feed us and guard us. Grant that we find happiness in the land of  the living. Make us your guests in heaven, co-heirs with you and companions of  heaven’s citizens.

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