Deuteronomy 8.2-3, 14b-16a・Ps 147.12+13,14+15, 18;19・ 1 Corinthians 10.16-17・
John 6:51-58
Let us actively participate in the Mass
Reconcile with other parts of the Body,
piously approach the altar,
and receive Jesus in the form of bread
Our readings today tackle about our Mass celebration, about the true Body of Christ in the form of bread that we receive during communion, and also about Christian community as Body of Christ. We remember with thanksgiving all what God has done and has offered us in Jesus Christ – through His Life in passion, death & resurrection. Today is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. We are all called to continue to share to & with others God`s love always at work and is truly felt in our daily lives through participation in the Eucharist. As the fruits of our participation in the Eucharist overflow, we are inspired to celebrate the love of God with the community. We celebrate our being a community and our fellowship in Christ. So much to say, the Eucharist becomes the center of Christian life The centrality of the Eucharist in our Christian Life brings us to further truth & understanding that no one can remain a committed Christian without participation in the Eucharist. We receive the Body of Christ in the form of Bread. Each one as member of the whole Body of the Risen Christ receives wholeheartedly all members of the Living Christian Community, each one being a part of the Body of Christ.
In our first reading today, there were words of reminders for the Israelites to remember how God provided for them. From time to time, a reminder to remember may not be too much for us to take, that is, when we truly consider ourselves as children of God. When one is truly resolved that he/she is a child of God, we always see and realize the goodness of God, and we understand that all we have comes from God. Our gratefulness to the goodness of God produces true joy and true service. Thank you Lord for allowing us to serve you and your whole body, the Church!
Our Gospel reading emphasizes the centrality of the Eucharist to the Catholic Faith. Consuming the Body and Blood of Christ is necessary for eternal life. The mass celebrant actually drops a piece of host into the chalice right before the communion, and in prayerful silence say, “May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.” His (Jesus’) flesh and blood are true food and true drink, and those who eat and drink will stay in Him and have eternal life. The second reading emphasizes that the bread and wine are not merely symbols but are truly the Body and Blood of Christ. The true presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a constant reminder of the depth of Christ`s sacrifice. Every time we attend mass, we always witness this ultimate sacrifice, and our participation in the Holy Mass will become more meaningful when we understand communion as communion not just with Jesus but with all around us.
In a Christian Community truly alive (a living Body of Christ), many are truly healthy and inspired, contributing to the spiritual growth of the community. Some maybe sick, in need of healing and nourishment. Some maybe tired, on the verge of giving-up. How is it to be called one Body in Christ? How is it to be called a better One Body in Christ? We can be a better One Body in Christ when we see ourselves united and caring for each other. We cannot be unmindful of others while we piously approach the altar for communion.
While each one of us wishes to drink a cup of coffee after an hour liturgy, let us all contribute in creating a place (not just a place) truly conducive for all to gather, and an atmosphere truly inviting to stay freely and pleasantly in our church vicinity.
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