A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 6:51-58
Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever." Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."
REFLECTION: " For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me."
I knew Mr and Mrs. H for over 20 years. They both had cerebral palsy. When young, they worked and led a very normal life. Then as the years wore on they lost the ability to walk and had to use a wheelchair and eventually a scooter.
One day Mr. H. had a late morning appointment and he was leaving as the lunch meal came in from one of the best Mexican restaurants in Houston. The smell was everywhere and so he was invited to stay and share our meal.
Everytime he called for his 3 month checkup, we would make his appointment the same day the drug reps brought lunch. For three years it became a standing invitation. It was our tradition.
It grew into friendship and love. Best reward was to see Mr. H smile as he was served.
However, now a few years later, I realize that what started off as kindness, compassion and maybe pity, it was not Mr H alone whom I was enjoying, but Jesus who came to visit me every 3 months through Mr H. Jesus showed me how to carry His cross. Mr H never complained, never griped and was always happy. And he spoke of the Lord with joy..
I broke bread with Mr H for our bodily nourishment. I broke bread with Jesus for my spiritual nourishment. And over 2 centuries ago, Jesus left His Most Holy Body and Blood for our eternal divine life.
Today we celebrate the beautiful Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It was established by the Church in 1264 to honor our Lord in the Eucharist (in His Body and Blood).When Jesus left us here on earth, He left Himself in the Eucharist. He became our food. He nourishes us daily.
" For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me."
O SALUTARIS HOSTIA is a moving hymn to our Lord written by Saint Thomas Aquinas, a theologian and Doctor of the Church, in the 13th century. Saint Thomas composed it for the Feast of Corpus Christi. We sing these praises at adoration.
O salutaris Hostia, Quae caeli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur, fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. Amen.
O saving Victim, opening wide, The gate of heaven to man below! Our foes press on from every side; Thine aid supply, thy strength bestow.
To Thy great name by endless praise, Immortal Godhead, one in Three; Oh, grant us endless length of days, In our true native land with Thee. Amen
Keep your eyes on the prize!!!
God Bless You.
Comments