The Gospel for this Sunday is John 6:24-35
1. Something or Someone?
The Eucharist is not something. The Eucharist is Someone. Whoever understands this difference understands what is most important.
2. Keywords
They said to Jesus, “What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
The manna that the Israelites ate every day in the desert was a foreshadowing of the Eucharist. According to Jewish tradition, heaven is divided into seven levels. God is on the highest level. Then, in the third heaven, angels prepare manna (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Hagigah 12). While the manna comes from the third heaven, the Eucharist is from the seventh heaven.
It was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
“Body of Christ” – this is what we hear when we receive Holy Communion. We respond “Amen,” which means I believe.
There is not and there cannot be for us a greater gift from God. It is so beautiful, moving, and profound that words cannot express it. Each of us has our own experience of receiving Holy Communion. Let us think about how we receive Jesus when he comes to us. How often do we receive Him?
I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
How often do I come to God with my matters? What is my faith like?
Do I believe in God, and do I also believe God, trust God? Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI recently said in an interview that “only faith frees man from the limitations and narrowness of his time.”
3. Today
We often put flowers in church, at the altar and in front of the tabernacle. Flowers are a sign of love for Jesus. They are a response to His love. We know well that Jesus values our personal expressions of love more than flowers. How will I express my love for Jesus today?
And today we celebrate...