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| Dali's Sacrament of the Last Supper |
The word of God in Sunday’s liturgy first takes us back to sixth century Israel. “Come to me,” God pleads. I will give you the basic needs of life.
Paul, in his letter to the Christian community at Rome poses the question, “What will separate us from the love of Christ?” Nothing! God loves us unconditionally.
In the Gospel, Jesus hears about the tragic death of John the Baptist, and seeks to be by himself. But the crowds follow him. He cures the sick and satisfies the hungry crowd. People have many hungers. Some hunger for bread; others for justice and freedom; and still others for peace.
To understand the liturgy of the Eucharist, contemplate Jesus’s Last Supper.
Jesus had to leave us, and yet he wanted to stay with us. How did he solve this? Listen to his words: “This is my body; this is my blood.” The bread and wine look and feel and taste like bread and wine, but they become the real presence of the risen Christ.
The second challenge Jesus faced was he wanted to die for each one of us, and yet he could die only once as a human being. How did Jesus solve this? Listen to his words: “Do this in memory of me.” The same victim who was crucified once outside Jerusalem centuries ago returns whenever we celebrate the liturgy of the Eucharist.
The third challenge was that Jesus wanted to be one with us, and yet this was impossible this side of heaven. How did Jesus solve this challenge? Listen to his words: “Take and eat; take and drink.” Jesus invites us to become one with him in Communion.
Yes, Jesus left us and stays. The Victim (the lamb, the sacrifice) returns to us today and every day. He gave us Communion.
What is the purpose? To form us into a faith community. Paul wrote, “Because the bread is one, we, though many, are one body.” This bread we eat and this blood we drink should not only form us into a more loving faith community but also should empower us to reach out compassionately to others with a helping hand.
At a family meal, perhaps this may be our prayer:
O God, bless this faith family of yours.
May you always remind us of the strength we have
united in faith, hope, and love with you, O God.
Help us to open our hearts, to listen, to extend a helping hand,
and to rejoice when one of us has cause for celebration.
O God, we pray that we always will live in your presence,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
