The inspired author of today’s first reading portrays Wisdom speaking as a divine person and urging us to walk in the way of understanding. Those who do so are ready to make room for God in their lives. In the second reading St. Paul urges the Christians at Ephesus to understand what is God’s will for them and so become a people of joyful gratitude.
To the Jews at the time of Jesus, “body†meant the entire person and “blood†referred to the life in the person. When Jesus speaks of giving His body and blood He means the complete gift of himself. As the divine Son of God He can change bread and wine into His body and blood. Behind this miracle of power there is the greater miracle of His love that wishes such an intimate union with His believing people. Jesus made the astounding claim, “I am the bread of life†for those who believed in Him and accepted His words. Just as bread sustains physical life, so He would sustain the spiritual life of His followers. At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “This is My body…this is My blood.†From that day onwards, in every celebration of the Eucharist, Jesus would by His divine power change bread and wine into His body and blood. The Lord reveals His mysteries to those who believe and trust in His word.
Holy Communion is God’s greatest favor and blessing to us on earth. It is the family meal of Christians and our bond of peace. It helps a believer to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus and brings families closer together. Jesus gives himself to believers so that they in turn may offer their lives to God. One of the ways we can show our appreciation for this great gift is by preparing for it well. How often do we think about what an astonishing privilege it is to be offered Christ’s body and blood? How carefully do we prepare ourselves to receive it? How heartfelt are the thanks we offer to the Lord for this great gift? And how do we let it affect our lives outside the walls of the church each week? People differ widely in upbringing, temperament and taste. Communion has a healing effect on all types, bringing us out of too much self-concern and into a life of togetherness with Jesus. The life of Christ within us helps us to face every challenge that comes until that sublime moment when we shall see the risen Jesus in heaven. Then there will be no humble appearance of bread and wine but a glorious meeting face to face.