The Body and the Blood of Christ
We all know people who endure through tremendous afflictions, trials, and sufferings, while others who go through lesser trials are overcome. What is the difference? In some cases, the difference is food; the nourishment which sustains them along the journey. Of course, we all understand the necessity of physical food for our sustenance, but even more we can all relate to the emotional food that we receive through our relationships. But as Christians we understand the necessity of the
spiritual food which we receive from the Word of God, through following His Will as revealed in his commandments and His teachings, as well as prayer and the sacraments. And so, it may very well be that many become weak and collapse on the journey for lack of proper nourishment.
The feast of the Body and Blood of Christ teaches us of our need of spiritual food, that which sustains us in this life and unto eternal life in God's Kingdom. Many may not be aware of their need for spiritual food and still others seem to be indifferent to it. They act as if they do not need the spiritual food of God's word or His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The Bread that we break is it not a participation in the Body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians)
Jesus speaks to us of the necessity and greatness of the Eucharist. “I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Jesus was forceful in his teaching on the Eucharist, “Amen, Amen, I say to you unless you eat of the flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, you do not have life within you.”
He makes great promises about the Eucharist. “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day.” We must grow in our understanding of our reliance on spiritual food, which is not unlike our need for physical food. “For My Flesh is true food and My Blood is true drink.”
God our eternal Father feeds us on the finest wheat, the living bread. Like a good human father, He does not want us to go hungry! So, eat well!