By David Peter csc –
Readings: Deut 8:2-3, 14-16; 1Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The readings of the day draw our attention by speaking about the living body and blood of Christ. The second reading of the day questions each of us individually, ‘what is my share in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup?’ I base my reflection on the gospel of the day where Jesus himself proclaims to us that he is the living bread.
To personalize the feast of the day let us think of our own body. We face a lot of temptations, struggles, and problems. The blood is the symbol of life. Blood is inseparable part of human body. Food and various resources are converted into blood.
The readings invite us to take the life of Jesus into the centre of our heart and live a life that belongs to God. As I reflect on the readings and feast of the day I remember the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “When you have received Holy Communion close your bodily eyes so that you may open the eyes of your soul. Then look upon Jesus in the centre of your heart.”
On the other side of this feast I am deeply disturbed by the today’s life situations of the poor people and the migrants, who fight for their survival and die of hunger. I end my reflection with these questions: what is my share in the suffering of this people? How do I break my bread and body in solidarity with them?