The Eucharistic Community!

Friday, April 19, 2024

Acts 9:1-20; Jn 6:52-59

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the privilege of the Eucharist and the invitation to be the Eucharistic community. 

If there is something that distinguishes Christians from the rest, it is eating the Body and Blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. 

When we ‘remember’ Jesus in this way, we are strengthened and nourished. 

Jesus offers at least two promises here. At first, whoever eats his Flesh and drinks his Blood will have life and be rewarded with eternal life. 

Secondly, the Eucharist signifies our union with the Lord. We receive the Lord into our hearts so that our lives now reflect the life of the one we have consumed. 

However, that is not all. It is not only that we participate in the Eucharist but we are also invited to be the Eucharistic community. 

What are the features of the Eucharistic Community? 

One Community: Unity is the hallmark of Christianity. A diverse group of people are united by our faith in the Lord. 

Without Differences: Such unity cannot be actualized without abolishing the boundaries that often separate us. As Christians, we can never be divided along the lines of caste, race, class, or gender. The Christian community is one body with Christ as its head. 

Imitating the Lord: Celebrating the Eucharist and remembering the Lord call for imitation of Him. The self-emptying act of Christ commands us to love others in the same way Christ loved us. 

The Jews were scandalized by the radical implications of the Eucharist for life. 

As we cherish the privilege of being Christians, let us strive to be the Eucharistic community with all that it implies. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar