Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Mark 14:12-16,22-26

When we stand at the altar and receive Jesus in the Eucharist we are making a statement – of our dependence on God. When we come to the Lord’s table, there are no distinctions. This gift is for all of us. Rich and poor, sick and well, strong and weak – everyone is the same. And he says to each one of us – no matter who we are – take and eat – this is my body which is given up for you. This is my gift to you, please accept it. When Saint Augustine was giving the Eucharist to a communicant, instead of saying,

“The Body of Christ,” he would say, “Receive what you are.” That puts things correctly. What is supposed to happen at the Eucharist is that we, the congregation, by sacrificing the things that divide us, should become the Body and Blood of Christ.