Eucharist

“Go to Communion not only to receive Jesus, but to also let Him receive you.” -Father Larre

"Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." -John 6:32-35 // NLT // WOW. (via adarkhorse)

“Give us this bread always.” (John 6:34)

The crowd was excited. Jesus had just used a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread to feed thousands! Now, having eaten their fill, you can almost hear them thinking: “Maybe we could get Him to keep on providing for us just as Moses kept giving our ancestors manna. We would never have to worry about food again!”

But Jesus had come to the earth to be much more than a divine breadbasket! He tried to tell this to the people, but His conversation with them seemed to be happening on two different planes. The people were thinking about their material needs, but Jesus wanted to raise their thoughts to the things of heaven. He had just cautioned them not to work for the food that perishes but for the food that leads to eternal life, but they still seemed focused on their pressing needs (John 6:27).

Jesus knows that we need food and drink. He didn’t think it beneath Himself to feed His listeners when they got hungry. But He also knows that whether we are starving or satisfied or anywhere in between, we are always hungering for peace, security, forgiveness, and dignity. He knows that whatever our physical state may be, the bread that He offers can meet our inner needs. His bread, the bread of life, can empower us to face any situation. It can fill us with the strength and clarity that come from knowing we belong to Him.

Sharing donuts after Mass can be a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and a good way to have a morning snack, but Jesus offers us something even more life-giving. Every day, He offers Himself to us on the altar. Every day, He seeks to draw us deeper into His life so that we can be transformed. As we receive Him in the Eucharist, He can satisfy our deepest hunger. He can give us the wisdom and courage we need to meet any challenge. He can fill us so much, in fact, that we have plenty left over to share with the people around us. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is the bread come down from heaven, giving life to those who receive it!

“Lord Jesus, I want to pursue You for Who You are — the lover of my soul, the One Who can satisfy the deepest longings of my heart!” Acts 7:51–8:1; Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21