June 2, 2002

Someone calls dinner is ready! We gather around a common table, say grace, and share a meal. But, is that all we share? Today's feast of the Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we really share in our Christian family mean – the EUCHARIST.

Have you ever taken the responsibility of preparing a meal from scratch for someone's birthday or anniversary? - fresh vegetables and not from the can, fresh made bread, sauce and pasta. As the aroma of baking bread and all the other foods, maybe a friend or another relative comes over and helps with the preparations, setting the table and wrapping the gifts. At last the guests arrive and the announcement is made "DINNER IS READY!" The family gathers and the prayer begins: "Bless us o Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from thy goodness through Christ our Lord, Amen.

In shared meals, the gift of food is made more nourishing by the gift of community. Today's scripture invites us to unwrap some of the "GIFTS" we bless and receive in our Eucharistic meal. Christ shares the gift of himself in the word, the cup, the loaf. Like our family gathering, we in the community also share the gift of ourselves with one another in our sharing of the Body and the Blood of Christ. The living breathing Body of Christ in the community nourishes the life of Christ in each of us when we sit down at the Eucharistic table.

Some families always set an extra place at the table as a sign that guests are welcome to share their circle of nourishment. Surely everyone is welcome at our Eucharistic. But, do we make the spirit of hospitality a reality in our parish? Why are we afraid to let others know that "DINNER IS READY" and invite them to eat, drive and live?

SO THE QUESTION: WHY DON'T YOU SAY HELLO TO SOMEONE YOU DO NOT RECOGNIZE AT MASS AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

 

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