Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (June 18, 2017): How Jesus in the Eucharist helps us in difficulties

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/061817.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/17_06_18.mp3

This Sunday we celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the reason why we believe it is truly and physically the presence of Jesus.

In the first reading, we’re reminded that God our Father always provides the food and drink that we need for survival in the desert days of life’s hardships. What he did for the Israelites, he does for us today in whatever ways we experience hot trials and dry faith. He provides what we need by giving us the True Presence of Christ, who comes to us in the bread of Mass (the Eucharist), and in the presence of his Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Baptism and Confirmation), and in the priest whose ordination makes Jesus present to us in Confession.

The Gospel passage tells us that the Eucharistic food and drink are truly Jesus himself, not a mere symbol of his love. Oh-my oh-my, how we need this food and drink to survive the serpents and scorpions and the parched and waterless ground of our desert experiences! Jesus literally fills us and quenches our thirsts. As we consume him, he consumes us. As we draw him into us, he draws us into himself. In this unity, we walk through our trials with all that we need for success.

The second reading tells us that the Eucharist increases our unity with Christ’s body on earth, the church community through which he provides the various resources that we need. In this unity — when it’s activated as it should be — no one lacks anything good because all necessary goods are shared. And ultimately in this unity, as Jesus said in the Gospel, we’re assured of eternal life in heaven, where all needs are met perfectly and completely.

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What are the “serpents and scorpions” in your life right now? In what ways do you feel parched, thirsty to the point of desperation? During Mass, imagine that you’re walking through a desert to receive from Jesus what you need. How does it feel to approach Jesus this way?

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
How has the Eucharist helped you through a difficult time? Why did it make a difference? I kiss the Host before placing it in my mouth; what do you do that helps you become more aware of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist for all your needs?

Today’s Prayer:Thank You, Lord Jesus, for remaining with us in such a special way in each Eucharist. Thank You for this Precious Gift which joins us to Your Holiness and to the whole Church. Amen.