June 14, 2009: Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we have the gift of Jesus within us. We are one with Him and He is one with us.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood…which will be shed for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)

On one day each year Catholics and some other Christians celebrate in a special way the fact that Jesus, on the night before he suffered and died, gave us a very special gift, Himself. We believe that every time we receive Holy Communion we are receiving Jesus. Though the bread and wine do not look different we believe that they become the Body and Blood of Christ during the prayer at the altar. This is not because the priest works some magic, but because Jesus said it would be so. We join ourselves in prayer with the priest; and through the prayer Jesus becomes present to us in Bread and in Wine. When we receive Communion we receive Jesus.

Action:

When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we have the gift of Jesus within us. We are one with Him and He is one with us. We are given the Gift of Jesus for ourselves and for others. We must share Him with others. We do that through our lives, our words, our actions. Think before you speak; think before you act. What would Jesus say? What would Jesus do? What will He do through you?