Gospel Reading: John 6:51-58
Today’s solemnity is a pivotal celebration for our Church. The Eucharist is famously described as the source and summit of our faith (CCC1324). Our spiritual energy originates from the Eucharist. Just as manna physically sustained the Israelites in the desert, the Eucharist spiritually sustains us in living the Christian life. The Eucharist also expresses our relationship with God.
In our Gospel reading, which is taken from the Last Supper discourse, Jesus tells His disciples that it is necessary to eat His Body and drink His Blood in order to share in His Life. The message is very clear. The Eucharist is the real deal. While many Protestant denominations describe the Eucharist as a symbol, Jesus was very emphatic. It is not symbolic. The Eucharist is truly His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. For His followers, this message was shocking, and many left His company, but Jesus did not backpedal. Jesus asked His apostles if they wanted to leave Him too, and I am always touched by Peter’s response, “Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
The Last Supper was the first Mass. Our attendance at Mass should be more than a Sunday ritual. It is literally where heaven and earth meet. Receiving Christ in Holy Communion is the most intimate encounter with Him on this side of heaven and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. Jesus loves each of us so much that He chose to remain with us under the appearance of bread and wine. He is always waiting to strengthen, comfort, and unite us. May we grow each day in our understanding of the Eucharist, allow ourselves to be nourished by Christ, and sacrifice ourselves for the good of others.
