Area 76
Jun 11, 2023
The Body and Blood of the Lord
Reflection
Jesus loved and accepted everyone, and he showed it by having meals and spending time with people from all walks of life. He wanted to express God's unconditional love and acceptance through these gatherings. Before Jesus died, he said special words while sharing bread and wine with his followers. These words explained the meaning behind his death and resurrection, showing how important they were.
In one of his letters to the Corinthians, St. Paul talked about the Lord's Supper. He reminded them that this special meal is meant to bring people together. It should be a time of communion, where everyone who participates feels connected and united. The Lord's Supper isn't just something we do; it's supposed to make a real difference in our lives.
Benedict XVI, a former Pope, wrote that the power of the Lord's Supper goes beyond the act of eating and drinking. It should inspire us to show love in our everyday lives. If the Eucharist (another name for the Lord's Supper) doesn't lead us to love others and put that love into action, then it becomes disconnected and incomplete. God is love, so our actions should reflect that love too.
Reading
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a; Ps 147; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58
Meditation (John 6:51-58)
Jesus tells us that to have life we need more than physical nourishment. How have you been aware of deeper hungers? What has met that deeper longing in you?
Jesus tells us that it is not just something he gives us which will give us life, but himself in his life, death and resurrection. How has your faith in the person of Jesus fed you?
Jesus speaks about ‘drawing life’ from him. In day to day living what are the practices which support your faith and help you to draw life from Jesus?
The Eucharist is one of the ways in which we draw life from Jesus. Recall with gratitude how the Eucharist has been a source of nourishment and life for you.
Perhaps you can also think of human examples of people drawing life from one another. From whom have you drawn life? Who has been able to draw life from you?