The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

05-29-2016Weekly Reflection

Poor nutrition is a clear source of numerous ailments. Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. A serious deficit in vitamin D can lead to weakened bones and osteoporosis. When a person does not have enough protein in his or her diet they can suffer from kwashiorkor, a wasting disease in which the body attacks its own tissues. Night vision is affected when a person is not consuming enough vitamin A.

We also know that to stay healthy, we can't just eat enough food. We must eat the right kinds of foods, that is, a balanced, wholesome diet. While pizza includes several food groups (grains, dairy, meat, and sometimes even vegetables), a diet of pizza alone is not life-sustaining in the long term.

The Gospel of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes for this feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ starts out with a curious verse. "Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured" (Lk 9:11). Luke, the writer who crafts his Gospel in such detail, weaves together the eucharistic narrative of the loaves and fishes, with the preaching of the good news and the healing of the sick. It is a signal of what our Sunday celebration is for us today.

The Eucharist has always been a sacrament of nourishment and healing. We hear the word proclaimed at Sunday Mass and we discover Christ present among us in the breaking of the bread. The abundance of grace is always greater than we can take in, signified by the leftovers in the Gospel story. Through the Eucharist healing takes place as well. We are reconciled to God in the Eucharist, and made one with our God in the reception of Communion. And from the Mass members of the community take the healing presence of Christ to those who are sick or shut-in so that his comfort is shared. Christ is healing and nourishment for all.

©2013 Liturgical Publications Inc

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