The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Luke 9:11-17
 
A Catholic friend of mine occasionally says, “The Eucharist is not a noun. It’s a verb.” In so saying, he is making the point that the Eucharist isn’t simply Jesus’ bodily presence given to us in holy Communion. It also manifests the dynamic pattern by which Christ actively loves and saves us. He teaches us to cooperate with that pattern. This Eucharist actually embodies four verbs: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives. Let’s consider each one.
 
He takes: Do we acknowledge that we are totally in God’s hands? Do we receive everything in our lives as a gift, and act responsibly with it? 
 
He blesses: Do we actively reflect that Jesus makes us holy in our baptism? Do we embrace our bodies and souls as temples of God, worthy of love, peace, and joy? 
 
He breaks: Do we run from failure and disappointment, from getting old or being ignored? Are we too worried about getting hurt or sick? Do we embrace our sufferings with confidence?   
 
He gives: Are we willing to make our lives a gift for others? Are we confident that we will always have enough love to give to others, that God will always provide enough for us? Do we rejoice in giving away what we have to others, expecting nothing in return? This is the dynamic life the Eucharist empowers us to live. 
 
— Father John Muir
 
©LPi