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 Joan Cawley
Opening Prayer
Lord, you have prepared good things for those who love You. May we become more mindful of the good around us and share that goodness with others.
Scripture
Wisdom has built her home … she has dressed her meat, mixed her wine, yes, she has spread her table.
Proverbs 9:1
Jesus said to the 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.”
John 6:51
Reflection
The scriptures tell us about food and banquets. Not all meals are banquets. In our world today, many people can’t/won’t take time to sit down for a meal. Everyone seems to be in a rush. One can pick up a prepared meal from the local supermarket or at the nearest fastfood place. Many eat on the go as they rush from one thing to the next. It is rare today to find a family that sits down together for a meal. And isn’t that too bad?
Mealtime together is a time for sharing not only food but what is going on in one’s life. Mealtime is a sacred time, a time when one pauses from the daily grind and takes time to reflect on life. It is a time to know that nourishment comes in many forms, not only the food that has been prepared but the support and encouragement that comes from the chit-chat and the sharing of the trials and the joys of living.
Flesh, blood, eat, drink are words that can be appreciated only in faith for Eucharist is a mystery – a profound reality that surpasses our human understanding. We live in a time of instant gratification. Many expect some kind of experience of personal warmth and satisfaction after celebrating Eucharist. It doesn’t work that way because it is not all about us. Our transformation by God’s grace is a slow business, as imperceptible as the growing of a tree. Its meaning will only be evident in our lives as we grow in faith, hope and love and in our relationship with one another.
Reflection Questions
Can I make the time to share a meal with my family? If I don’t have family, then with close friends?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, you are the Living Bread come down from heaven, grow your life in me. Amen.
