The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
“Give them some food yourselves” (Lk 9:13). One can only imagine the look on the faces of the disciples when Jesus told them to feed the crowd of nearly five thousand people standing in front of them. Jesus rejected their suggestion of sending the crowd off to the neighboring farms and villages to find provisions for themselves. Jesus, concerned for the wellbeing of these hungry souls says in effect, “No, you supply their need out of the meager five loaves and two fish that you have and I will take care of the rest.” Jesus challenges the apostles to selflessly give away all that they have saved for their own meal, and he will provide what is needed for both the crowd and the disciples.
On this Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we are reminded of Jesus’ total gift of self to us. “This is my body that is for you…This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24-25). What greater gift? “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13). Jesus, like the poor widow who placed her last two coins in the temple treasury (Lk 21:1-4), gave his entire self for us, holding back nothing. He now provides his own Body and Blood for us as food to nourish us on the journey as we, like the Israelites wandering in the desert, travel through this world toward His Kingdom.
Can we do the same? Can we follow in Jesus’ example of self-gift? Can we give at least a portion of our time, our energy and our care to our brothers and sisters? If we give of ourselves as the apostles offered their pitifully few loaves and fishes, Jesus will make up for our lack, multiplying our efforts to assist those who need our love and concern. Let us “hand over” ourselves to Jesus as he was himself “handed over,” abandoning all into his care with complete confidence. In this way he continues to work miraculous deeds in our lives today and in the lives of others.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections