Holy Communion

Today’s readings draw us into the heart of the Christian mystery.  Of this mystery that we contemplate every time when we are here in front of the altar.  And today’s readings invite us to reflect on the wisdom of God and the gift of the Eucharist which sustains our spiritual lives.  
 
The first reading presents Wisdom as a person who has prepared a feast and invites all to come and partake.  This image is rich with meaning, symbolizing the abundance of life and knowledge that God offers to those who seek Him.  Wisdom’s invitation is simple: “Come, eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed.”  This invitation is not just to physical nourishment but to a deeper spiritual fulfillment that only God can provide.  
 
Then, as continuation of that idea, we hear Jesus in the Gospel.  He proclaims “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”   This declaration is essential to our faith as Catholics.  Jesus offers himself to us in the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, and invites us to partake in this divine food that nourishes our souls.  His words “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” point to the reality of the Eucharist.  It is not a symbol, or a kind of play or art that we perform here, but truly the body and blood of Christ.  He’s here.  Jesus Christ is with us. Among us, in front of us, right now.  

The Eucharist is the fulfillment of Wisdom’s banquet.   In the receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ, we are not just participants in a ritual, but we are united with Jesus himself.  And this union is life-giving, transforming us into more perfect images of Christ.  When we gather for Mass, we are reminded of the great gift we have received in Christ, and we are sent forth to live our lives in a way that reflects the love and grace we have encountered here.  As we reflect on these readings, we may ask ourselves how do we approach the Eucharist?  Do we recognize it as the Bread of Life, essential for our spiritual journey?  Are we allowing the wisdom of God to guide our decisions, our relationships and our actions?  The Eucharist is not just a part of our faith.  It is the heart of our faith. It is the source of our strength. The nourishment for our souls and the promise of eternal life.  

As we come forward to receive this living bread today, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude and a commitment to live in the wisdom and love that Christ offers us.  Let us pray for the grace to respond to God’s invitation with hearts full of faith, wisdom and gratitude so that we may live as true disciples nourished by the Bread of Life and guided by the Spirit of God.