Wendy Kachermeyer

John 6:54-56 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.

CCC 1324 The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” 

The source and summit of our life is Holy Eucharist. All Catholics believe this to be absolutely true. We say we believe every time we receive (NOT TAKE) the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ with our resounding response: AMEN!!

We do not believe it is only a representation of His body and blood. We do not believe it is only a symbol of His body and blood. We do not believe that it is only bread and only wine. We do not believe that Jesus can go into the bread and come back out after we are finished receiving and throw the remaining bread away or out to the birds.

We do believe after the words of consecration are said by the priest during Mass…

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you.”

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”

During this time of Mass the priest is no longer a mere priest he is Persona Christi (in the person of Christ), we are present at the original sacrifice on Calvary. (The next time you go to Mass listen to how the language changes from the plural to the singular). The bread and wine are no longer bread and wine. They may look and taste like bread and wine. With those words of consecration they become Christ’s, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, no longer bread and wine.

We know we could not grow in love of Christ if we didn’t receive this most precious gift. We can only have life in us because of His flesh and blood of; He who is… the Church draws her life from the Eucharist.

Reflection: When you are knelling in your pew following Communion. Quietly allow the emotion of what is happening to you seep into the smallest particle of your body and be filled with gratitude and love.

My Lord and my God how much you have saved me this week. You have given me the grace of being able to receive your most precious body and blood within this unworthy vessel. A vessel that is so flawed with self-pride, resentment and greed. Your presence heals the tendency of the evil my flaws can cause. Hold me close to your heart this coming week for I know not what you have planned. Allow me to see the world with your sight and receive every soul I encounter knowing you are present within me. Enhance your compassion, mercy and love as my body absorbs your flesh and blood. I love you; I need you and want to remain with you forever. Amen.

Wendy Kachermeyer is Director of Religious Education and R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Dunkirk, NY