Dear Friends:
With this Sunday’s reading of the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish, we begin a series of five Sundays where the Gospel readings are taken from the sixth chapter of John, what is referred to as the “Bread of Life Discourse.” It is a lengthy teaching given by Jesus himself on the understanding and the meaning of the Eucharist. We would do well to read over these passages again and again, asking the Lord to open our minds and our hearts to a deeper faith in his Real Presence in the Eucharist. There are parts of the Bread of Life Discourse which seem graphic and even startling, such as when Jesus says, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will not have life in you. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink.” As with ordinary food and drink, we consume the bread and the wine which is the actual Body and Blood of Christ. As food, when digested, becomes the source of growth, sustenance and strength for our physical bodies, so, too, does the Eucharist, the actual Body and Blood of Christ, when consumed by us, become the source of our spiritual growth, sustenance and strength.
It may be merely coincidental, but I think it is more providential that we read from the Bread of Life Discourse in these weeks following the National Eucharistic Congress that was held in Indianapolis last week. As Catholics, we need to connect with our Eucharistic Lord more than ever. It is in the Eucharist that the Lord has provided a concrete, tangible sign of his Real Presence among us. Too many Catholics have lost their faith in the Real Presence, and tend to see the Eucharist as little more than a symbol, a symbolic memorial ritual. A careful reading of the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, done in the context of prayer, can go a long way toward connecting us anew to what the Church teaches about the Eucharist. Moreover, it can renew and deepen our faith in the Presence of our Eucharistic Lord. I would suggest strongly that you consider stopping in to church during the week for some quiet prayer before the tabernacle. The Lord is there, waiting for you and for me. If we were to put this devotion into practice, it will have marvelous effects in our lives. Both churches are open every day of the week, usually until the middle of the afternoon or later.
Have a good week!