The Gospel reading shows us "a typical day in the life of Jesus," with people not liking what He had to say. In fact, the Text tells us that as a result of one speech, "many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him." Eucharist has always been hard to get into one's head! It defies reason. How can the immaterial God become human? Then, how can that human/divine entity become bread, and become bread every time Eucharist is confected? But, Jesus doesn't say to those who are walking away saying, 'This is disgusting! It's cannibalism at best!', "Oh, come on, fellows, I was just speaking metaphorically!" Rather, He turns to Peter and the rest of the Twelve, and says, "Will you leave me, too?" This is a defining moment for the Church--it is at this moment that we became a "table people." Our faith from this moment on will center on the Table of the Eucharist, and meeting the Christ we receive in it--the Divine Christ who will transform our lives. This same Christ, after 2000 years, is offered to you and to me, today. Let us draw near to the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation.
Fr. Bill
We hear the people in Joshua's time say yes, they will follow the God who led them out of Egypt and not follow these other gods around them. Centuries later, after hearing Jesus call himself bread to be eaten, descendant of those at Shechem said that it was hard to accept and left him. When Jesus asked the twelve, they answered with a loud "Yes", amen," we have come to believe and are convinced you are the Holy One of God." Ask yourself, has familiarity bred contentment when it comes to the Eucharist for us? Are we so used to this mystery that we rarely have a sense of awe or wonder? How do you say your "Amen" before receiving the precious Body and Blood of Christ? What is the change in us that should accompany receiving them?
Take some time this week to reflect on your belief in the Eucharist. Ask Christ to be with you as you pray through this so that your response is not in word only, but you live it daily.
A special thank you to all who brought school supplies and to Sophia Berkley and her helpers who put it all together. We have many children who were ready for their first day back to school thanks to them.
Have a good week,
Sr. Karen
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