Ex 24:3-8
Heb 9:11-15
Mk 14:12-16, 22-26

Eucharist

This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Gospel Acclamation Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” The Eucharist is at the core of all Catholic belief. The most problematic part of watching mass on TV during the Covid pandemic was that we were unable to receive Eucharist.

We are taught that the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, no. 11) It is the means whereby Jesus really gives himself to us in Holy Communion. The Eucharist is a clear offering of love from God given to us. There is nothing we can do to earn this love. It is freely given. We have to ask ourselves if we respond to God’s free and loving gift given to us. Do we believe that we take Jesus with us when we leave each liturgy? Do we recognize our responsibility to be the presence of Jesus to every person we meet? Attending mass is not the most important part of Sunday. Rather, it is consciously being there and participating in the gift of the Eucharist, and then living in such a way that we bring the reality of Jesus to others.

Our relationship with Jesus is not accidental, but rather, it is the ultimate gift of love given for our salvation. We rejoice and are thankful for this feast and reality. We thank God for the everlasting and unconditional love given to us. 

Have we appreciated enough this gift of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist by receiving it at Holy Mass? 

Do we really believe Christ’s words: “The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life?