'Do this in memory of me'

Sunday, June 26, 2011
Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—A

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
1Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58

“Remember” Moses tells the Israelites in today’s first reading. Remember how God has directed you, guided you through every affliction, strengthened you, protected and delivered you, and how he has sustained your life with food and drink from heaven. “Do not forget,” Moses instructs the people—whose long and trying journey to the Promised Land prefigures our Christian journey in this world.

Remember in this sense means quite simply: “Trust God.” Trust that you are in his presence every step of the way, and that he will care and provide for you. Trust that you are being fed spiritually through Word and Sacrament with food and drink from heaven. Trust that we, though many, participate in the very life of Christ, the Bread of Life who gave his life that we might live forever.

This is how we are to recall the reality of God’s presence in our lives, and share Christ’s very real presence in a unique and special way during the Eucharist, where time and eternity meet. It is important to keep in mind that today’s Gospel passage from John follows shortly after the multiplication of the loaves. After miraculously feeding the crowds with only five loaves and two fish, the people hungrily pursue Jesus. And he tells them, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Remember.