Not Just a Piece of Bread

    

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

02 June 2024

 

First Reading: Ex 24:3-8

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18

Second Reading: Heb 9:11-15

Gospel: Mk 14:12-16, 22-26

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

"You are going to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. Not just a piece of bread", Ms. Carmelita Lopez, my Grade Six teacher used to remind us while we were queuing up for Holy Communion. Some said to themselves (or to others), "There she goes again!' Some ignored her. Yet some paid attention to what she said.

Looking back, Ms. Lopez's reminder hit on me last weekend when I distributed the Precious Blood of Christ during Communion. After drinking from the chalice, I saw my own reflection on the Blood of Christ. It was as though Jesus is reminding me of what He said in today's Gospel, "This is my body...this is my blood..." This is far more superior to the holocausts and young bulls that served as peace offerings during the time of Moses as mentioned in the First Reading. It was not just a piece of bread or a drop of wine that I am receiving and distributing to others. As I was waiting for people to approach me and drink from the chalice, I kept on looking at my reflection and asked the Lord, "Is this how precious am I in Your eyes that You poured out Your blood for me and for all? Who am I, who are we to merit such a wonderful gift as Your very self, Lord?"

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Your Body and Blood for me and for all Your people. Sorry for those times when we took Your gifts for granted. Help us to realize how precious we are that You willed to be our food and drink. Strengthen us in our resolve to give due reverence to You in the Blessed Sacrament. Grant us the grace to mirror Your generosity to others especially to those in need.

O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine. Amen.