Among most human beings, eating is one of the most social of all of our activities. And when we want to celebrate together and have joy in one another’s company, we think first of having a meal together. Sociologists will tell us that eating together is a wonderful way of bridging of the gap between the individual and the community. This insight contains a profound wisdom about human living – and about the life of grace. In a sense, the Eucharist is also a bridge between individuals and the community, but also between nature and grace.
At the celebration of the Mass, do we allow the Eucharist to be a bridge between ourselves and our neighbors? Do we remember that the Lord is present on the altar so that He may be present in us? Do we understand that when Jesus says, “This is my body” He does so in order that we can be His body?
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For further reflection today and in the week to come: The Eucharist is not only what happens on the altar at Mass, but what happens in the entire church (and what happens in our lives for the rest of the week). We are encouraged to listen not only to the readings and prayers, but to “listen” also to the people around us: to be aware of them, to be grateful that they are there, to see them not as strangers (even if we don’t know their names). The One who said “I am the Bread of Life” wants us to share that Bread – His life, His love, and His care – with others, so that we who are fed by God may live in God’s way.
