Reflecting on the Word

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

“Does it please you to serve the Lord?” Joshua asked at Shechem. “Decide  today.” And the people answered: “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the  service of other gods,” going on to name the deeds the Lord had done for them. 

Centuries later, after hearing Jesus call himself bread to be eaten, descendants of those at Shechem said: “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” And  they “no longer accompanied him.” Jesus then asked the Twelve if they would  leave, too. Simon answered for all: “We have come to believe and are convinced  you are the Holy One of God.” 

Our response is a simple but weighty Amen (meaning “So be it”). When the  consecrated host is held up, accompanied by “The Body of Christ,” and the cup  offered with “The Blood of Christ,” we are asked to put our faith on the line and  say, “Amen.” 

Has familiarity bred contentment? Are we so used to this mystery that we  rarely have a sense of awe or wonder? The first act of faith is believing that God  is present in things as ordinary as this bread and wine. We believe that the bread  and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. What is the change in  us that should accompany receiving them? 

But of such stuff dreams are made—God’s dream of a family, loving daughters  and sons, gathered around a table to say “Amen,” then to live Communion in a  world of broken bodies, shed blood, wounded hearts, and crushed spirits. When  you say “Amen” to this mystery, who knows what might happen? 

Consider/Discuss

  • What meaning does “Amen” have for you? 
  • Is it a response in word only, or in word and in deed, so that you not  only “receive” Communion with Christ and his body but live it daily? 

Responding to the Word

Jesus, you came from the Father and returned to the Father and remain ever  near the Father’s heart. You remain the Father’s Word of love to us, the Word  of the Father’s commitment to us, draw us into being “Amen” as you were also  “Amen” to the Father’s will. Amen.

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