Are you aware enough of Christ’s real presence during Holy Communion? Do you thank Him enough for uniting Himself with us, poor sinners? - Daily Reflections August 3,2015

THE GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST

 

When I talked once with a Protestant friend about the multiplication of the loaves and fish, he shared the Protestant interpretation that says it was not a miracle. What happened was when Jesus and His disciples began to share their meager food, the crowd felt embarrassed and began sharing what little they had.

       This view defeats the lesson or the story. It was, to them, so important that it is the only miracle we find in all four gospels (even twice in Mark’s Gospel). The words the evangelists chose transport us straight to the Upper Room where Jesus took the bread, blessed, broke it and gave it to His disciples. Jesus foreshadowed the institution of the Eucharist in the Last Supper, which He continues to do every time His disciples all over the world assemble for the “breaking of the bread” in the Eucharistic celebration.

       John the evangelist points out a difference in his version of the miracle: The people who ate the multiplied loaves were hungry again the next day, whereas in the multiplied Eucharistic bread, Jesus gives Himself as “bread of life” — a bread that will lead to eternal life because He gave Himself to us, His disciples.

       Too many people take the Eucharist for granted. Many believe the Eucharistic bread is only a symbol of Christ. No wonder we often lack reverence when we approach Holy Communion.

       If only all Catholics would be conscious that the Eucharistic bread is not just a symbol, but a manifestation of Christ’s actual presence — that the Son of God enters into our unworthy being and that we become living tabernacles after receiving Holy Communion — much would change in their lives for the better.

       The Eucharist, therefore, is the greatest treasure we have, the greatest gift God could give us. And remember, “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” Can we ever thank God and Jesus enough for this great gift? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Are you aware enough of Christ’s real presence during Holy Communion? Do you thank Him enough for uniting Himself with us, poor sinners?

 

Lord, receiving Holy Communion has become a routine at times. Please forgive me. Thank You for reminding me about the greatest gift — the gift of Yourself to me.