To watch Fr. Joe’s homily from The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: CLICK HERE!
We often refer to the Mass as the Eucharist. The Mass, as we know has two parts: Word and Sacrament; Scriptures and Eucharist!
As Catholics we believe that every time we receive the Eucharist, Holy Communion, we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The Eucharist is, if you will, FOOD for the journey of life and faith.
Today’s reading of the feeding of the 5,000 men, points us to the Eucharist. Just as Jesus fed the people, took care of the people in his “midst” that day in Galilee, the Eucharist we receive today, and every day, is an ongoing reminder that Jesus continues to care for his people today. But the Eucharist we share in every week, is also meant to remind us that, like Jesus, we who participate receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – are now asked to go forth, to spread the Good News of Jesus and to care for one another.
Put another way, we who receive the Body of Christ, are called to care for the Body of Christ where ever we find ourselves in our daily lives.
In a phrase, “We bring Christ to others wherever we go.”
It happened some years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics. Nine runners – all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the signal they all took off running to win! All, that is, but one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over and began to cry. Hearing his cries the other eight runners all turned around and ran back to the boy. One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him saying, “This will make it better.” Then all nine runners linked arms and together passed the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood and cheered for the winners…all nine of them!
May we continue to bring Christ to others wherever we go.