We have all heard the expression, “you are what you eat”. Indeed, doctors and nutritionists are constantly reminding us that we need to be discerning, to be careful about what we eat, as it can have a significant impact upon our health.
Today the theme for this liturgy is Corpus Christi. An appropriate theme, as we begin our parish 40 hours devotion.
The challenge of Corpus Christi is that we are called as St. Paul reminds us, to be the “Body of Christ”. We are called to become the presence of Christ in our world, our time. We receive the nourishment to do so through the reception of Christ’s body in the Eucharist.
In the words of the consecration of Mass, Christ asks us to “do this in memory of me”. The sense of memory here is the sense of memory not as remembering what he did in the past but to make happen now, Christ’s example of compassion, service to others, and forgiveness.
This cannot be a casual commitment on our part. Our discipleship should not be confined to casual rituals, or by making orthodoxy of belief the only test of our commitment to follow Jesus’ instructions, the only criterion for discipleship.
The call to become the “Body of Christ” is a call to practical service. Jesus promises us that “whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones will not want for his reward”. Discipleship is about getting involved in the personal needs of people.
Our service need not be about doing famous, attention getting acts of service, but rather the simple small acts of service for others.
And so, as we approach the table of the Lord, let our reception of the Eucharist never become for us mechanical or routine.
Remember you are what you eat. Allow your life to become changed by the food that you eat. Never allow yourself to lose sight of the wondrous mystery that you are about to take part in.
Image: “Market Grill Cheeseburger” by ~db~ is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.