...For the Life of the World

~~~ Corpus Christi Sunday ~~~

~~Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A ~~Psalm 147~~ 1 Corinthians 10:16-17~~

~~~  John 6:51-58 ~~~

God let the people experience the pangs of hunger

 to teach them there was something more.

...not by bread alone does one live,

but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.

God is saying it does not matter how much food

 you stuff into your belly if you are not listening to the Lord.

Eating may be necessary and even pleasurable.

but it will not last forever.

God sends down the Son with words of everlasting life.

Jesus came to give us true food and true drink 

that could only come from him.

His is the body and blood for the whole world.

He gave his body and blood 

to feed the world.

 ...for the life of the world.

For your life and for my life.

He gives everlasting food.

Food and drink that sustains us through eternity.

His flesh and blood sacrificed to become our food and drink.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood

remains in me and I in him. 

Jesus says he will be with us til the end of time.

He cannot get any closer to us 

than when we receive his precious body 

and blood in Holy Communion.

He gives himself up for us at every Mass.

He gives us himself in a most intimate manner...

he literally comes into our body.

Each time you receive Eucharist Jesus is more than present;

he becomes a part of you.

You become a living tabernacle for his body and blood.

How do you treat your body as his dwelling place?

Each Mass gives you time to prepare your soul for his arrival.

He reveals himself to us 

through his words in the Scriptures.

He reveals himself further

 during the prayers of consecration.

He reminds us we are about to receive his body and blood.

This is my body...this is my blood...

given to us in fulfillment of his everlasting covenant.

He will never leave us...

He makes himself available to us.

I hope you always take advantage

 of his presence in receiving the Eucharist.

Never take it for granted; he lives inside of you.

His body and blood become part of your very essence.

Blessed beyond with His presence in Holy Communion.

~~~Peace~~~