Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Melissa Gernon
Opening Prayer
O God, Christ gave His bread, His body, to us for the life of the world. He gave His blood, the cup as a covenant of Your love. In this holy mystery, we find Christ who poured out His love and service to those in need. May we reverence Him by pouring out our love to others. Amen.
Reading
John 6:51-58
“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. 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
When I go to a restaurant, I look forward to the bread that is put on the table while I wait for my meal. I don’t know what it is about bread, but it’s delicious, and I never tire of it. Sometimes, I may eat too much bread, and I become so full that I don’t have room for the meal.
This is what being Catholic and going to Mass is like for me. Sometimes, I arrive at Mass empty and feeling unloved. I listen to the readings, and I participate in the prayers and responses, and I eagerly anticipate the meal that I am about to share with whoever is attending Mass with me. Christ sharing his Body and Blood with me is the nourishment I need to feel full and satisfied. I long for the sharing of the Eucharist between the times I can get to Mass. I long for that fulfillment that only Jesus can bring because when I am full, I can give my love to others in the way Jesus has called me to. When I am hungry, I need others to do that for me.
This is why Jesus has entrusted His Body and Blood to us. He entrusts us to become full so we can help others become full through our love and service. It is my most favorite meal, even better than Eggplant Parm!
Closing Prayer
O God, You gave us the only food we truly need to be satisfied. Help us to be continually nourished through Your body and blood, these sacred mysteries of love and belonging. Allow us to be filled with Your love so we may help others experience Your love and grace. Amen.