This Sunday we reflect on the Eucharist as we hear Jesus proclaim that what God asks of us is to believe in Jesus whom he sent into the world. Jesus promises that the bread he provides does so much more than just satisfy our physical hunger — it satisfies our deepest hungers. Jesus makes a clear connection between believing in him, as the one sent by the Father, and believing in his real presence in this “bread sent down from heaven”. Jesus wants the people to understand that this bread that he is offering is no ordinary bread, but rather “divine food” given because of God’s love for them.
Over two thousand years later we still struggle to comprehend this mystery...Jesus’ real living presence in the bread...blessed, broken and shared. As a Eucharistic Community our gathering focuses on Jesus’ real presence in our midst...as we are gathered by his love. The extravagant gift of himself to us is not just for us...but for the sake of the world — for this world caught in the midst of a horrific pandemic, with millions dead and more and more infected each day. But there is hope! We are called to be the real manifestations of hope for all those who are fearful, lonely and sick, to reach out to them, to be the “real presence” for them and to them.
The real challenge for us is to understand that as we gather for Eucharist, it is not just for our personal salvation...but that we are commissioned and sent forth to take that real presence of Jesus Christ out into a broken and wounded world. We are called to be “Christ-bearers”, bringing the healing presence of Jesus Christ to all those we meet but especially to those most in need: the marginalized, the immigrant and migrant, the disenfranchised minorities subjected to systemic racism, bigotry, misogyny and intolerance.
We are emboldened to speak truth to power, both secular and religious, we are called to speak out against the sins of our nation and of our church. This “real presence” within us emboldens us to be true disciples of Christ in action in the world building up the Reign of God so the world might be, not as we have made it, but as God has dreamt it to be — a world of peace and justice, a world of equity and harmony where all people’s dignity is honored and respected! And where the earth itself is respected and cared for!
And so I believe we need to ask ourselves: to whom have I recently been “the real presence” of Jesus? How do I share this “real presence” with my family and friends? To whom is God calling me to be “the real presence” to so that they might know how deeply and passionately they are loved by God?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
Over two thousand years later we still struggle to comprehend this mystery...Jesus’ real living presence in the bread...blessed, broken and shared. As a Eucharistic Community our gathering focuses on Jesus’ real presence in our midst...as we are gathered by his love. The extravagant gift of himself to us is not just for us...but for the sake of the world — for this world caught in the midst of a horrific pandemic, with millions dead and more and more infected each day. But there is hope! We are called to be the real manifestations of hope for all those who are fearful, lonely and sick, to reach out to them, to be the “real presence” for them and to them.
The real challenge for us is to understand that as we gather for Eucharist, it is not just for our personal salvation...but that we are commissioned and sent forth to take that real presence of Jesus Christ out into a broken and wounded world. We are called to be “Christ-bearers”, bringing the healing presence of Jesus Christ to all those we meet but especially to those most in need: the marginalized, the immigrant and migrant, the disenfranchised minorities subjected to systemic racism, bigotry, misogyny and intolerance.
We are emboldened to speak truth to power, both secular and religious, we are called to speak out against the sins of our nation and of our church. This “real presence” within us emboldens us to be true disciples of Christ in action in the world building up the Reign of God so the world might be, not as we have made it, but as God has dreamt it to be — a world of peace and justice, a world of equity and harmony where all people’s dignity is honored and respected! And where the earth itself is respected and cared for!
And so I believe we need to ask ourselves: to whom have I recently been “the real presence” of Jesus? How do I share this “real presence” with my family and friends? To whom is God calling me to be “the real presence” to so that they might know how deeply and passionately they are loved by God?
Blessings,
Fr Tim
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