Jesus shared a meal with lots of people. He ate
with Pharisees, scribes, women, sinners, lepers, and both Jew’s and non-Jews.
Most of (if not all) Jesus’ miracles of healing and exorcisms took place
entering or leaving a house for a meal.
At Mass, He shares with us the most wondrous of
miracles and the holiest of meals, the Holy Eucharist.
And, people criticize it with statements like -
everyone should be able to take communion, whether they believe in the real
presence or not. Jesus fed 5000, it should be for everyone.
People and even Churches seem to forget this
meal is different. Jesus said it was really his body and blood. So, to share in this
meal, you must believe. It is not up to the priest or deacon to decide if we
are to share the meal that is the real presence of Christ with those who don’t
believe.
But, all are free to share the real presence of
Jesus Christ in us with others. This is our shared communion. Today’s gospel
shows us how powerful it is to share the presence of Jesus in us with others;
because, there was a child who gave its meal to Jesus.
One of his disciples said to him… but what good
are these for so many? Jesus’ answer was to blessed the food and set the table.
When we give what we have, in the love of
Christ, we feed many. Christ makes the table ready. It is the table of sharing,
the table of Jesus Christ and all who love him.
We are the child called to bring what we have to
Jesus. We are called to live
in a worthy manner; with humility and gentleness, with patience, with love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace…
The Missionaries of Charity share Christ with
the world. They witness Christ not my sharing the Eucharist, but by being the
real presence of Christ in the world. They give to the world the love of Christ
that is in them.
It began when a child of God brought what she
had to Christ. Her faith has fed millions with food, with compassion, and with
Christ. The Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa feeds the hungry,
cares for the poorest of the poor, and picks the dying up off the street to
care for them. This is a living example of miracle of the Eucharist.
Transubstantiation is the mystery and miracle of
the bread and wine becoming the real presence of Christ. This mystery and
miracle is personified in those who live Christ's love. It is multiplied over
and over by our witness and the sharing of His love in us with others.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta shared the real
presence of Christ in the world. “Of free choice, my God, and out
of love for you, I desire to remain and do whatever be your Holy will in my
regard.” Even in her darkest moments, she knew the LORD is near to those
who call upon him in truth. She knew He would answer her needs.
He answers all our needs. He answers us so
abundantly in mercy and grace that there is much left over. Pray that we as
believers allow Him to answer our needs.
If you truly believe that Christ is in the Eucharist,
you believe that you receive not only his body and blood, but abundant mercy
and grace.
The mercy and grace you receive should not be
wasted. For
thus says the LORD, They shall eat and there shall be some left over. What we do with what is
leftover is the real presence of Christ in the world.
Pray with and for others. Teach others about
Christ. Share the love and communion with Christ by your life and what you do,
how you work, the way you interact with family, friends, and
community. Bring Christ to the poor. Support charities in
volunteering and financial support. Preach the gospel.
Share Jesus. "Gather the fragments left over, so nothing
will be wasted."
Critics opposing Mother Teresa’s sainthood said
her intention was not to help people; she wasn’t working to alleviate poverty.
Her answer, “I am not a social worker. I
don't do it for this reason. I do it for Christ...”
Mother Teresa’s intention was Christ. She
brought Christ to the poor and the dying by respecting the dignity of who they
were. In sharing the real presence of Christ, Saint Teresa of Calcutta did more
for the poor and dying than all who critiqued her.
There was a child who
gave its meal to Jesus.
Communion is sharing the real presence of Christ
in this world, how do you live that?
Be good, be holy and preach the gospel, sharing
Christ in the way you live and love. Amen.
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