While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:26-28
When was the last time you thought about the divinity of the Eucharist? Too often, we go through the motions of receiving the sacrament, without giving it proper reverence.
The next time you approach the altar, reflect on the gift that you are about to receive. Jesus gave us the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper to provide for our salvation and eternal life in heaven. Today, when blessed by the priest, the bread and wine truly become the body, blood and soul of Christ. Holy Communion provides spiritual nourishment, and is an opportunity for us to draw closer to Christ as individuals and closer to our fellow parishioners as we join with God as a community. The Eucharist also compels us to consider Christ’s sacrifice for us and follow his example to honor the value and dignity of all human life.