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June 14, 2009, The Body and Blood of Christ
“I myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever.” (John 6:51)
READINGS:1. Exodus 24:3-8
2. Hebrews 9:11-15
3. Gospel of Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
REFLECTION: When we prayerfully look at the faces of others returning from Communion, we affirm once again that Jesus Christ lives in each of them. We can realize more fully that Christ goes out into the world in each one. Each becomes the body of Christ in the world, in school, in the workplace, in the home, with the sick, with the lonely, with the hurting, with the hungry, with the poor, with the unemployed.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in the Eucharist you remind us of your saving action. May we see in it a sign of Your presence with us. May our sharing in Your Body and Blood draw us closer together in the unity for which You prayed. Amen.
FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:
Monday:
Take quiet time today to reflect on the Eucharist. Pray to Christ who dwells within each of us for His peace to our brothers and sisters.
Tuesday:
John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ’s ministry. Do something today individually or as family to assist or prepare the way for another’s ministry.
Wednesday:
Continue today with your family the theme of the Body of Christ. Decorate the breadbasket at the table. Then, using an unsliced whole loaf of bread, break it and share it with the prayer of the Our Father.
Thursday:
Pray today with the family the Rosary, using the new Mysteries of Light, reflecting especially on the fifth mystery, the Institution of the Eucharist.
Friday:
At your meal tonight, have wine (grape juice for the children). Serve it in your best glasses with bread. Reflect on blood as life, and give thanks for all those in your family who have given life.
Saturday:
Think of ways in which your family feeds others, physically or spiritually. This coming week do two deliberate acts: 1) to feed a hungry person physically and 2) to feed a hungry person spiritually.
PRAYER:
Father, stir up our memories to recall Your gifts—each time we stop to eat a meal, increase our thankfulness. Amen.