"Do this in remembrance of me"
Listening the Spirit
Sequence - Lauda Sion
Lo! the angel’s food is given
To the pilgrim who has striven;
see the children’s bread from heaven,
which on dogs may not be spent.
Truth the ancient types fulfilling,
Isaac bound, a victim willing,
Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling,
manna to the fathers sent.
Very bread, good shepherd, tend us,
Jesus, of your love befriend us,
You refresh us, you defend us,
Your eternal goodness send us
In the land of life to see.
You who all things can and know,
Who on earth such food bestow,
Grant us with your saints, though lowest,
Where the heav’nly feast you show,
Fellow heirs and guests to be. Amen. Alleluia.
Listening the Word: Luke 9: 11-17
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” Now the men there numbered about five thousand.
Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.
Reflection
After having celebrated the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity last Sunday, we are so grateful to be focused this Sunday on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Corpus Christi. Jesus who is really present in the bread and the wine consecrated for our sake. This helps us to be aware of his commandment in three specific points.
First, the institution of the Eucharist is the center of our lives. It means that we should appreciate the graciousness of God who feeds his peoples and gives himself for our care, because each one of us is a special gift from the Lord. This solemnity brings us into thankfulness for his unfailing presence among us in our journey. We offer our gifts in thanksgiving and joy, as the meaning of Eucharist suggests it. So, how can I learn to be more grateful for the gifts that God has given me? Jesus, by giving his body and blood showed that he is for us. Let us accept his gifts with gratitude.
Actually, most of the peoples, especially parents share their joys and sorrows, hope and disappointments before the situations they are facing to. As Jesus has fed the crowds in today’s gospel, let us not forget that his compassion is visible today and right now. That is why when he said “Do this in remembrance of me”, he ordered to repeat actions and words in the whole world for life. Thank you for your love and your devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, in a special way to the priests who celebrate the Eucharist every day. Also, thank you for having giving your life depending on your activities, to witness Jesus in his Holy Church. My dear sisters and brothers, this is the sacrament of love we are celebrating. Therefore, we are called to become what we celebrate, the Body of Christ. Like Melchizedek of old, we bring bread and wine to the altar, that represents the fruits of our daily efforts so that Christ transform them into his own Body and Blood for the life of the multitude.
Second, this solemnity recalls us of the mission of Jesus who came for our healing and restoration. ‘‘Jesus healed those who needed to be cured”. The question is: What kind of healing do I need for my well-being? Is it the physical, emotional, or spiritual healing I need? More importantly, how can I reach out to those who are ill or homebound? As pilgrims of hope, according to the page of the Gospels suggested for our meditation, we are called to empty ourselves to give life or joy to others, following the Master’s example. Actually, let us give them food or material and spiritual assistance. In other words, we should be more attentive to the needs of others who are the beloved children of the father as a generous act of abandon into the divine providence.
Third, the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ recalls us of our responsibility to remain faithful to the Lord’s commandment thanks to the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Even though we have betrayed Jesus, he never gives up to forgive us. His supreme being consists in giving mercy to us sinners. Full of compassion, he embraces us and encourages us to continue. And for this reason, we are his friends, called also to share that joy of love in his truth. For many times, peoples asked me: why are you still catholic when we notice several abuses and scandals? I replied them that the holiness of the Church is based in the body and blood of Christ. Its holiness does not depend on the holiness of the ministers, but of the holiness of its Founder, Jesus Christ. Despite our unworthiness and weaknesses, the mission of Christ is going on. We cannot leave our commitments because of a scandal. The treasure is Christ Jesus our Lord, and our duty consists in working hard so that our actions may show our communion with the One who emptied himself to give us life, and the life everlasting (cf. Phil 2: 6; John 10:10). Let us trust deeply in God’s mercy, taking time today to adore him in His Most Holy Sacrament.
Reflection Questions
- How can I become more aware and responsive to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and let that awareness shape my daily actions and relationships?
- In what concrete ways am I called to be the Body of Christ for others—especially those who are suffering, marginalized, or discouraged—in my community today?
