As we celebrate the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ this Sunday, we reflect more deeply on the profound mystery and gift of the Eucharist. It is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith, and we believe that it is the “font and summit of our shared faith.” As the Church celebrate this gift every day and every Sunday, we might ask why do we have a special feast day for it?
St. Augustine once said, “Believe what you see, see what you believe, and become what you are: the Body of Christ.” This powerful reminder calls us to understand that in receiving the Eucharist, we are not only united with Christ but also transformed into His living presence in the world. It is about who we become—the Body of Christ! We become what we receive, and it is important to pause and ask ourselves how we can cooperate with that powerful call to action in the world. It is something more powerful going on here than just a community gathering in prayer!
The Eucharist is more than just a symbol; it is the real presence of Jesus Christ, who gives Himself to us fully and completely. By partaking in this sacred meal, we are invited to become what we receive – to embody Christ in our daily lives. As members of the Body of Christ, the Church, each one of us has a unique and essential role to play. St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that the body has many parts, but it is still one body. When one part suffers, every part suffers with it; when one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
In the Gospel story of the Road to Emmaus, Jesus meets the disciples where they are, listening to their stories and their struggles as they walk away from Jerusalem, considered to be the symbol of the center of the Church. He walks with them, sharing in their journey and ultimately revealing Himself in the breaking of the bread. In the same way, Jesus meets us in our daily lives, inviting us to the Eucharist to be nourished and strengthened.
He then sends us out into the world to meet others where they are, to listen to their stories, and to share the love and presence of Christ with them. This mission of encounter, accompaniment and outreach is the message of our Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of San Jose, which will take place today Saturday, June 1 at Bellarmine College Preparatory. This event is an opportunity for our entire diocese to come together, to be renewed in our faith, and to commit ourselves anew to being Christ’s presence in the world.
This unity and interdependence are at the heart of our Christian community. We are called to love one another as Christ loves us, which is no small challenge. It means extending compassion, forgiveness, and support to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are suffering or in need. It means recognizing the dignity and worth of every person and working together to build a community that reflects the love of Christ. That means everyone, regardless of whether we like them or agree with their views, whether social or political. It means we are called to walk with others in our lives and listen to their stories. Hopefully, after listening to their stories enough, we can dine with them and maybe, if given the opportunity, invite them to join us at the table of the Eucharist. However, it starts with walking with them where they are first!
In today’s world, where division and conflict often seem to prevail, our mission as the Body of Christ is more important than ever. We are challenged to be instruments of peace and reconciliation, to reach out to the marginalized, and to care for the most vulnerable among us and walk with them. Through the Eucharist, we receive the grace and strength to carry out this mission, knowing that Christ is with us and in us. It starts within the family, then expands to the greater community and indeed the whole world.
As we celebrate this beautiful feast, let us renew our commitment to live as true members of the Body of Christ and be willing to walk with others, especially the marginalized such as the LBGTQ+, the divorced and remarried, the migrants, the unhoused and so many others. Let us strive to become what we receive, allowing the love of Christ to transform our hearts and our actions. May the Eucharist inspire us to love more deeply, serve more generously, and build a community where all are welcome and valued.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan