We become one through receiving and sharing of Jesus
by Sister Mary Kabat
The Body of Christ. Amen.
Didn’t we long to hear those words spoken to us and to make our response of faith during the long “stay-at-home” time? Instead we had to be content to pray the Mass via TV or through online opportunities. At the time of communion, we prayed for a spiritual communion with the Lord Jesus.
Because of that experience, I am drawn to the Second Reading from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (Cor 10:16-17.) It is so brief yet so very full of meaning. St. Paul first reminds us that the bread we break is truly a “participation” in the Body of Christ and that the cup we bless is truly a “participation” in the Blood of Christ.
Participation -- why did St. Paul choose that word? Participation means sharing, involvement, membership. It is certainly much more than my personal proclamation and reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. In the next verse of the reading it is clear why St. Paul chose that word. He tells us that we, who receive the Lord Jesus, though we are many, become one. We become one body. We become the Body of Christ.
Didn’t we feel like we were “one” while doing what was asked of us during the “stay-at-home” time? Yes, it was for our own safety, but also for the sake of our loved ones, co-workers, neighbors, healthcare workers, essential workers. Our cooperation and our sacrifices were but one example of the participation Jesus asks of us. As we say, “Amen” and receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, let us more consciously become Jesus who we receive and more selflessly share Jesus with all we meet.
I experienced being "Body of Christ --" in the flesh -- as I was among those gathered in peaceful protest last Saturday and Sunday, for "Black Lives Matter," raising our voices in chant - as mantra and prayer - for the liberation of the oppressed. The spirit of solidarity was a visible and tangible form of communion, as we, with our diversity of gifts, personalities, cultures, and stories came together for the universal and common cause of truth, justice, equity, human dignity and created goodness of all peoples. There was a "living presence" among us. "We, though many, were one body."