Selfless Disposition

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

22 June 2025

 

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17

 

Reflection

By: Bernard M. Borja

 

In every Mass or Eucharistic celebration, we are invited to immerse into the deep mystery of Christ’s self-offering. It is an invitation that speaks directly to our hearts, our communities, and even to the world’s most difficult moments. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, reminds us of a transformative encounter: that every time we gather and break bread together, we remember not only the greatness of Jesus’ love for us through His death and resurrection, but we also participate in Jesus’ work of redemption.

In the words of St. Paul through his first letter to the Corinthians: “I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you…” he reiterates the essence of the Eucharist. It is an invitation to remember that Christ’s body was given for us and that His blood seals the new covenant. When we partake in Holy Communion, we are repeatedly invited to reflect on the sacrificial love that exceeds all human understanding. This sacrament calls us to embody the same love, to become living proclaimers of Jesus’ offering by going beyond our individual selves. The miracle of the five loaves and two fishes recalls this offering or divine generosity. Just as a simple meal is multiplied into a feast, our humble offerings — our time, our compassion, and even our small resources — can be transformed into a bounty of grace when given in the spirit of selfless sharing.

In our experience, especially during hardship, we often fall to our tendency of self preservation. When the disciples said to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here”, it reflects a common impulse of us humans. When confronted with overwhelming challenges, it is easier to retreat into the safety of our concerns and push others’ needs away. However, by choosing to “dismiss the crowd”, we risk missing the call to generosity that is at the heart of Jesus’ invitation. Instead, He urges us to share whatever we have. In doing so, we participate in a divine act of multiplication, where the simple act of sharing becomes a channel for hope, healing, and abundant provision.

We can also consider reflecting at the continuing tensions in countries such as the conflict between Israel and Iran. The effects on the economy and quality of life for the rest of the world are very evident. Today, fear and uncertainty drive many to concentrate solely on their own survival. The instinct to withdraw from communal care can be powerful when the world seems divided and resources are limited. But the Eucharist and feeding miracles invite us to look beyond our limited perspectives. Just as Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed the crowd, our seemingly insufficient contributions can also become transformative when they are extended in love. It is an invitation to find God in the midst of chaos and confusion — a reminder that even in difficult times, sharing a small part (or a tenth like Abram offered) of what we possess can ignite hope.

When we reflect on these sacred mysteries, we see that the Eucharist is both a remembrance of Christ’s passion and a command to be His body in the world. When we receive the Blessed Sacrament, we are called to rise above self-centeredness. It challenges us to transform our natural disposition toward self-preservation into a courageous act of community and compassion. In doing so, our lives become a living testimony to the profound truth that God’s grace multiplies even the smallest gestures.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is not just a day of remembrance, but a call to action. It invites us to be bold in our sharing, to overcome the urge to isolate ourselves in difficult times, and to recognize that every act of kindness and love can be the spark that ignites change. By embracing this nature, we affirm that in the celebration of the Eucharist — and in the sharing of our “five loaves and two fish” — we truly live out the call to be the Body of Christ in a world longing for hope and harmony.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we gather before You with humble hearts, remembering the mystery of Your love manifested in the Eucharist. As we break bread together, remind us that every small act of kindness, every shared moment of hope, carries the seed of Your divine grace.

Lord Jesus, You offered Your body and blood as a gift of redemption for all. In times of uncertainty and trouble, may we draw courage from Your sacrifice. Teach us to see beyond our fears and to recognize that even our simplest offerings can be multiplied into miracles of healing and peace. In our struggles and in our moments of doubt, may the Holy Spirit guide us to express a spirit of community and boundless generosity. May our daily actions become a testament to Your enduring promise of hope and a beacon of light that guides others out of darkness. AMEN.

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.

What Talents Do You Have?

   

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 November 2023

 

First Reading: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: 1 Thes 5:1-6

Gospel: Mt 25:14-30

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

The Gospel for today is a continuation of the parables told by Jesus. Last Sunday, we saw the parable of the ten virgins who waited for the Bridegroom with their lamps. Today, we are presented with the parables of the talents. The parable tells us that each servant is given a different amount, according to their ability. It is a wonderful lesson of how we are called to use God’s gifts for His glory. It’s also a firm reminder of God’s expectations of His children and how His expectations vary according to our ability.

The Parable of the Talents taught by Jesus is urging us to be ready for the master’s return. Jesus is that master who went on a journey when He ascended to heaven. After a long time, the master, Jesus, will return which is either at the moment of our death or at His Second Coming. Whenever He comes again, we will stand before Him with our talents. The talents were not distributed to each servant equally in the parable. However, we have to understand that what we have received from God is not something small but is gigantic. A talent as well, as being a unit of weight, was also currency, and its value was 6,000 day’s wages, twenty years wages. The servants are receiving something that is gigantic in their times. What God gives us is equally colossal and priceless. We have received so much from God that we take for granted.

We are asked to make most of the “talents” we have received from the goodness of God. How so? Through sharing. The talents given to the three servants are not so much monetary gifts or personal capacities; they are a share in the goodness of God, a participation in His divine love. They are meant to be shared. In fact, they will increase precisely in the measure that they are given to others. Most of the time, we have failed to see and cultivate the gifts that were given to us. It is because we are afraid to explore our capacities or worse, unwilling to share the grace we have received. The problem with the timid servant who buried his talent is not that he was an ineffective venture capitalist but that he fundamentally misunderstood the nature of what he had been given. The Divine Mercy—received as a pure gift—is meant to be given to others as a pure gift. Buried in the ground, that is to say, hugged tightly to oneself as one’s own possession. Burying it or keeping to oneself loses the very essence of the gift we have received—it fails to grow, it remains stagnant and futile. How often we are paralyzed by fear or false prudence into doing nothing, into trying to preserve ourselves! Sometimes, we don’t take God’s gifts seriously or think we have been given very little, and we use that as a rationalization for making no effort or producing little for God. We blame circumstances or others, but the fact is we are neglecting to produce the fruits God wants. The servants who invest their talents and make a return on them have understood the purpose of their lives and the time they have at their disposal. These servants were generous with everything their master had given them, making it bear fruit, and they received from him the reward of greater intimacy and more responsibility.

There is no difference between those who have received more and those who have received less. All have their gift according to their capacity. What is important is that this gift be placed at the service of the Kingdom and make the goods of the Kingdom grow. These gifts are love, fraternal spirit, sharing.

Prayer

God, Our Father, help us to see the gigantic talents that You have given to each of us so we can cultivate it, share it to others, and bear fruit when You return. All these we ask through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Gaining to Give

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 4 August 2019
First reading Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

“Vanity of vanities!” says the Teacher, “vanity of vanities! All is vanity. Even one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity.”

Second reading                                                          Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Since you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

Gospel                                                                         Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

Reflection

By Jessa Janelle Padilla

Nowadays, we tend to idolize money than God. We are living for material/earthly things which are just temporary. We disregard living our our real purpose or mission in life.

Our Gospel for today teaches us that what we have now can’t be brought to our graveyard or even the afterlife. Why most of us focus on becoming rich regardless of the legality of how we obtain it? Are we not aware that everything we have is just temporary and borrowed? We are just caretakers of what we have and as caretakers we must learn to value it and even share it with those in need. Anytime, our possessions will be taken away from us.

As I read my readings for my graduate studies, I was inspired by Antonio Meloto (the founder of Gawad Kalinga). Meloto is a devout Christian with a mission in life: to help the poor. He didn’t hesitate to live in the slums with criminals, drug addicts, and poor His agenda is to make them feel that they are loved and cared for in spire of still belonging to a harsh society. He uplifts them and provides ‘Kalinga’ (help) to change their life’s point of view. Can we ask ourselves if we too are willing, like Meloto, to live with those kinds of people? Most of us will say a Big NO. But wait, they are just victims of the harsh society and deprived from having the basic needs. For those reason they were forced to become such kind of people. Our mission as Catholics is to understand them instead of judging them. Giving care and love than driving them away. Let’s help them to rehabilitate themselves with our little act of kindness and understanding.

The desire to achieve and have everything is normal and okay with a note that we need to share it. Sharing is caring. My father taught me that I must not become greedy. I must be contented on what God provides us and share His blessings with those in need. As I grew up, I’ve learned the values of caring and sharing what I have with other people. My father always remind me that I must be thankful because God never fails to bless us abundantly.

Let us be not like the brother or the rich man in our Gospel today who only focused on gaining and not even know how to share. They only focused on themselves. My brothers and sisters, richness doesn’t define who we really are. The way we treat people regardless of our status in life defines us. God teaches us to share and a little act of kindness is worth a thousand grand. 

Prayer

Lord, enlighten our hearts to be generous and not greedy, to learn the value of sharing and caring.  May we not just focus on gaining but rather value giving. May we also live our lives for heavenly desire and not for earthly things. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen

Eucharist for the Hungry

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

23 June 2019

First reading                                                                        Genesis 14:18-20
Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abraham by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High for handing over your enemies to you.’ And Abraham gave him a tithe of everything.

Second reading                                                                1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming the death of the Lord.

This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.” In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.”

Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death.

Gospel                                                                     Luke 9:11-17

Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing. It was late afternoon when the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.”

He replied, “Give them something to eat yourselves.” But they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, “Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.”

They did so and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Aware that people greatly patronize imported goods, a priest once said that the Eucharist is also an imported food. Why? Because, it is not produced here on earth, but it was given by our Lord Jesus as a food from heaven, with love and sacrifice as the main ingredients. Makes sense, isn’t it?

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ or Corpus Christi. In this feast, we are invited to discover the deeper meaning of the Eucharist and develop a better appreciation of it in our daily life. But the sad reality is not all Catholics believe in the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. They cannot fully accept that the bread and wine being offered, consecrated, and partaken in the Mass are really the body and blood of Christ. The appearance is the same, but the inner substance is changed. They called it as “transubstantiation”, - the transformation of the substance through the power of God’s Spirit and word.

In today’s Gospel, we heard that Jesus fed the multitude - the miracle of multiplying the five loaves and two fishes to satisfy the hunger of the crowd who followed Him. This is what Jesus would also like to do now, to feed the hungry with His body and blood in the form of bread and wine in the Mass. The problem is His apostles' followers -  our bishops and priests - have limited reach. They could only explain the mystery of the Eucharist to those who are already believers, those attending the church regularly. How about those non-believers staying inside their homes? Who will reach them? That’s where discipleship enters. We, who were already fed and were satisfied are called to share our experience of the Eucharist to the world, to invite more believers, and to have a multiple number of witnesses. The faithful must not be contented with merely watching the celebration, they must take part and get a share of the spiritual food that Jesus leaves us with. Full bloom Catholics do not only rely on the word, but also on the food. God’s word nourishes our mind, while the Eucharist nourishes our body and soul.

As we continue to reflect on today's celebration of Corpus Christi, let us be reminded of our own touching experience of receiving the Eucharist. Look back on the day that you were so hungry, unwelcomed, and unloved. To whom do you run to? It was to the Lord who continuously gives us spiritual food, welcomes us in His arms, and loves us infinitely despite of our painful past. Having been fed, we can now volunteer and help in God's feeding program of the Eucharist.

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us to ponder the depth of this mystery so that we may be moved to our deepest worship of Your presence into it. Amen.

The Hunger that Satisfies

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

29 July 2018

First reading                                                                     2 Kings 4:42-44
A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack.
Elisha said, “Give it to the people and let them eat.” But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred people?” So he repeated, “Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.'” He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.

Second reading                                                     Ephesians 4:1-6

I, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Gospel                                                                     John 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near.

When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?”

Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.

When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Reflection

By Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

Who among us is not familiar with the Gospel’s story for today? Jesus fed the multitude in the mountain using the five loaves and two fish of a young boy. And after everyone had eaten, the disciples has gathered twelve baskets of fragments left over. This incident is one of Jesus' great miracles as He also testified in the succeeding chapters that He is the Living Bread that satisfies.

Our present world experiences different types of hunger: material and spiritual. We hunger for food, for power, for education, for fame, for love and attention, and even for peace. We are busy acquiring material things and achieving goals that give temporary happiness. But today's Gospel reading invites us to reflect and prioritize spiritual hunger that most of us is setting aside. This is the extreme hunger that if addressed will give abundant blessings in our life.

The scenario in today's Gospel is not only about Jesus feeding the 5,000 people with the multiplication of bread and fish. Instead, it is more of satisfying their hunger for a shepherd who will lead them to verdant pasture. They followed Jesus up to the mountain because they acknowledged their spiritual burden and lifted it all up to Jesus' saving hands. Will you allow God to feed you? Will you go and follow Him up to the mountain, too?

Another thing to ponder is our bread and fish to be offered to God. The young boy in the Gospel gave Jesus his five loaves and two fish to be used for common good.  He never thought of keeping the loaves and fish for himself and his family only. He has allowed it to be shared to others who are also in need like him. Are we willing to offer our five loaves and two fish to Jesus to help others? Or will we just save these for ourselves for rainy days?

Sometimes, we tend to look after our own sake only. We forget love and compassion towards others. Because we live in a cruel world and we strive for survival, it is easy to become selfish. “I will think of myself first before others. How can I share if I don’t have enough? Yes, I will give but please wait until I have more.”

Christ's invitation to us is to become Christians in spite of difficult circumstances. We are called to give ourselves completely similar to what Jesus did on the cross. He gave himself for our salvation. So as believers, we must act like Christ, emulate His deeds, and follow His teachings.

As we continue to reflect on today’s Gospel, may we allow God to enter and use our lives to give life to others. Our little bread will surely come a long way. Selfless giving is our calling.

Prayer

Lord, we offer You our brokenness to be shared for others. Our little offering from the heart is enough to do great miracles. Use us as Your instruments to make others feel loved and comforted. We can do nothing by ourselves, but with You, we can do everything. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your So, we pray.  Amen.

Advance Thanksgiving

First Reading:  2 Kings 5:14-17

So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha had told him to do. And his flesh became clean once more like the flesh of a little child. Returning to Elisha with his whole escort, he went in and, presenting himself, said, 'Now I know that there is no God anywhere on earth except in Israel. Now, please, accept a present from your servant.'

But Elisha replied, 'As Yahweh lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing.' Naaman pressed him to accept, but he refused. Then Naaman said, 'Since your answer is "No," allow your servant to be given as much earth as two mules may carry, since your servant will no longer make burnt offerings or sacrifice to any god except Yahweh.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Remember the gospel that I carry, 'Jesus Christ risen from the dead, sprung from the race of David'; it is on account of this that I have to put up with suffering, even to being chained like a criminal. But God's message cannot be chained up. So I persevere for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Here is a saying that you can rely on: If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we persevere, then we shall reign with him. If we disown him, then he will disown us. If we are faithless, he is faithful still, for he cannot disown his own self.

Gospel:  Luke 17:11-19

Now it happened that on the way to Jerusalem he was travelling in the borderlands of Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten men suffering from a virulent skin-disease came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, 'Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.'

When he saw them he said, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself prostrate at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This led Jesus to say, 'Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?

It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.' And he said to the man, 'Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.'

Reflection

By Rosalinda N. Markell

Have we thought of the wondrous power of giving thanks to God? When you open the golden pages of the Bible,  you will read God's wonderful words. There, it says,  "In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made unto God." (Philippians 4:6).

Notice that the Bible does not say that we are just to thank God for what He has given us, but with thanksgiving, let our request made unto God.  Without doubt, we should thank God in advance for providing us our needs.

As most of us may know, giving praise and saying thank you for the gifts received, big or small, seem to boost the giver's spirit and power. People seem to grow and blossom when they are praised and thanked for. God may feel the same way. We make Him happy, when we give Him praise and offer thanksgiving. When was the last time we thanked God? Thanked those around us? It is unfortunate that the words "Thank you" is no longer often heard at home or elsewhere as though everything done by parents to their children is obligation, as though everything done by cleaners or security guards is just part of their job.

When we give thanks, it makes our own spirit jump for joy too.  Look at the Blessed Virgin Mary when she visited Elizabeth. Didn't she burst into her now famous Magnificat? Look at that Samaritan leper who was cured of his disease. Didn't he praise God on the top of his voice and prostrated himself to Jesus? Giving thanks is good for us! And surely, God will be happy to bring life and health and also peace to us in a greater abundance.

Let us be thankful to God for whatever He gives us, but also be gracious, brave, and strong enough to share it with others.

Prayer

Dear loving Father, this is the time when we come to You, not with a wish or plea, but with a song of thanksgiving. Yes, we know how many times we have come to You with questions and fears.  But we truly are so thankful that You calm our fears and answer our questions in Your time.  Please help us, dear Father, to be thankful for all our blessings, whether big or small. Thank you for the blessings of love, health, protection for our love ones, happy true friends and for a wonderful home. Thank you for the privilege of praying to You, our dear Father. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

Satisfied

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
6 June 2010


Come, let us worship Christ, the bread of life.


First reading Genesis 14:18-20 3
Melchizedek king of Salem brought bread and wine; he was a priest of God Most High. He pronounced this blessing:
‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, creator of heaven and earth,
and blessed be God Most High for handing over your enemies to you.’
And Abram gave him a tithe of everything.

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 109:1-4

Second reading 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
This is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death.

Gospel Luke 9:11-17
Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.
It was late afternoon when the Twelve came to him and said, ‘Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.’ He replied, ‘Give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they said, ‘We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people’ For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, ‘Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.’ They did so and made them all sit down. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps remaining were collected they filled twelve baskets.

Reflection
By Rose Guevarra Markell

They all ate and were satisfied.

The multiplication of the loaves occurs in four Gospels, one of the true very few events in the Gospel. Many people had no security in terms of employment, as it is true today in many countries, and Jesus along with His followers shared that situation. In that desolate area, Jesus felt responsible for all His brothers and sisters who became His guest.

Many people must have shared their last resources with the poor, confident that God would pay them back. The miracle performed by Jesus at that moment confirms the faith of many humble believers, who are perhaps not too devoted to the church, but know how to risk all they have. Jesus did not feed them to attract them to His church, but to fulfill God's promises to the poor.

Oh my God, we believe, we trust, we adore and hope in You! And we ask pardon for those who do not believe trust, adore and hope in You! Please have mercy on our families and the whole world, Amen.

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