by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
The Sundays of August bring us the Bread of Life Discourse from the Gospel of John. The church gives us a four Sunday "portion" for us to try to grasp what it means when Jesus says he is the Bread of Life: "My Father gives you the true bread from heaven." -- Jn. 6:32
We've all heard the saying "We are what we eat." We partake of Jesus' gift of himself in the Eucharist through the Liturgy of the WORD as well as the Liturgy of the EUCHARIST. We are fed by both parts of the Liturgy. Sometimes we may not think about "eating up" God's Word as it comes to us in our lives through the scriptures and in our experiences. Receiving Jesus as food in the Eucharist is more tangible. We come forward at Communion in the gesture of choice. We say "Amen" and receive as an act of faith, hope and love.
This week, and each week of August, may we become more mindful of HOW we are "becoming" the Jesus we receive as heavenly food for our earthly journey. Are there visible signs that we are becoming more like Jesus through our mindful choices and actions?
On August 6, we celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. Only Peter, James, and John experienced this event with Jesus, and they were forever changed! The Eucharist is to bring about a profound change as well. Are we up to the depth of the experience?
You invite us to the challenge of transformation...no easy task. But a good measure, "am I becoming more like the Jesus I receive is very concrete. Thanks for the reminder...the challenge.
Thanks, Carolyn. Something to thiink about all month.
Thanks, Carrie for reminding me of the challenge and yet also reminding me of the two- fold gifts of food at Eucharist! The Word and The Eucharist!