SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS B
GIFT AND RESPONSE
MT. 14: 12-16, 22-26
MESSAGE
Have you heard the Good News? As Catholics, we have the most powerful proof of the Father’s love, the most concrete evidence of the Risen Christ, and the most faithful sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our time and in our church. And this is the Eucharist, the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus at Mass! St. John Henry Newman, an Anglican-turned Catholic priest, referred to this as the most incomprehensible blessing there could ever be. God is so close to us, so caring and so eager to live with us and within us that he becomes our spiritual food and drink. As Catholics, only we can know the value of such an immense gift from heaven!
But just as it is a gift, the Eucharist calls for our response too. A priest human rights activist who said this while he was alive: “When I receive the Body of Christ, I vow never to disrespect my own and other people’s bodies. When I receive the Blood of Christ, I vow never to spill innocent blood.” Going to Mass, listening to God’s Word and specially, receiving His Son’s Body and Blood, should make us slowly become like Jesus, imitate his way of thinking and acting, and make our own his attitudes towards life, others, and the world.
REFLECT
Do you go to Mass joyfully believing that you are about to receive the greatest gift? As you receive Holy Communion, do you allow Jesus to transform you into a more loving, respectful, and merciful witness in the world? Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
