Welcome to the insightful reflection shared by Monsignor Enrique Díaz Díaz on the Gospel of this Sunday, August 18, 2024, titled: “The Eucharist, in the living flesh”.
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Proverbs 9, 1-6: “Eat my bread and drink the wine I have prepared for you”
Psalm 33: “Taste and see how good the Lord is”
Ephesians 5, 15-20: “Try to understand what the will of God is”
Saint John 6, 51-58: “My flesh is true food and my blood is true drink”
When we truly engage with the words of Jesus, our core is stirred, and our entire being is affected. It’s easy to fall into the trap of practicing a religion that is too intellectual or focused on rituals. However, today, God makes Himself accessible to us: within the reach of our hands, within the reach of our lips. In Jesus, He presents Himself to us and invites us to listen, observe, touch, see, taste, take, and consume. He is the Word, He is the sustenance, He is flesh and blood, He is the path, the truth, and the life.
Reflecting on history, the people of Israel imbued deep meaning and symbolism into the flesh and blood of the Passover lamb over time. Similarly, the unleavened bread underwent a transformation from a pastoral tradition to a symbol of liberation. These elements were not just mere food or drink but signified the freedom gained by a people oppressed and liberated by God’s hand. The significance of bread, manna, blood, and flesh resonated with the core of the community.
Now, Jesus manifests Himself in the deepest core of humanity, offering Himself as “the bread that I will give you is my flesh, so that the world may have life.” He transcends the symbolism of the past and becomes the sustenance for life. Christ’s incarnation isn’t just about presence but about offering life, salvation, and nourishment. Through the Eucharist, He becomes an experience that touches every sense, emphasizing the tangible nature of His divinity.
Communion isn’t merely a ritualistic act but a profound connection between Christ and the believer, fostering a divine friendship. By partaking in “eating the flesh of Christ,” one is immersed in His sacrificial journey of surrender, death, and resurrection, leading to a transformative communion.
Every Eucharist brings us closer to Jesus, aligning us with His mission and enabling us to extend love and compassion to others. As we partake in the Eucharist, we are invited to experience a deeper liberation and immerse ourselves in the mystery of salvation.
Let us pray: Our Father, guide our community to embody fraternity, communion, and the true essence of the Eucharist in our Christian journey. May our unity with Christ lead us to seek abundant life for all humanity. Amen.
