June 3, 2018: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Reading: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him,
“Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
He sent two of his disciples and said to them,
“Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, ‘Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’” Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.”

The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
While they were eating, he 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 of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Reflection:

In that first breaking of the bread and offering of the cup, I wonder what was in the disciples’ hearts when they heard Jesus’ words. Did they wonder what these words meant for Jesus’ mission or what these words might mean for them?

In our reception of the Eucharist do we wonder what these words mean for us? Perhaps we have come to think of the Eucharist as “Jesus and me” time. And it is to a degree — Eucharist is our nourishment for our part of Jesus’ continuing mission. And yet, we receive not as individuals but in communion with each other as the Body of Christ. What does it mean for us today to be the Body of Christ?

Action:

As you receive the Eucharist this week remember that you are a participant in the Body of Christ. Reflect on where and how you can be the arms, the feet, the heart and voice of Jesus. What boundaries in your life need to be broken; where can you offer hope?