Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 - Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 - John 6: 24-35
The 10th Eucharistic Congress, the first in eighty-three years, took place in Indianapolis in July, where tens of thousands united in spirit, worshiping Jesus, the Body of Christ, while asking for repentance in joy and hope.
In the years since Covid restrictions, many continue to attend Mass electronically. It must be noted that the word of God is proclaimed while many are alone in their homes and not receiving the Eucharist. Although this was how many were able to participate in the Mass offering during the height of the pandemic, restrictions have been lifted for quite some time now. Despite church mergers and fewer available Masses, a notable selection of vacant seats exists. This could lead to the question of how media Masses will impact the future of our church.
Today’s gospel is an account of the crowds following Jesus and looking for a handout. They experienced how Jesus could feed them simply by performing a miracle that had greatly increased a few loaves of bread before him; some may even have been present when jars of water were turned into wine.
Following someone who could do this was time well spent, but the message for them and us is God’s desire to have us continually hunger for the body broken each time it is elevated and proclaimed: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Jesus’ invitation to be present at the table of the Lord is our privilege. It may not be as convenient as clicking a remote, but perhaps the sacrifice of getting the body to be with others is what is asked of the couch Catholics today.
Placing ourselves at that last supper should motivate our desire to receive Christ’s body, which was broken for us and for the salvation of the world. Ponder how, after Jesus returned to the Trinity, the followers realized that they must continue to worship him and obey the instruction to remember him when bread is broken. The future church may survive as members remain loyal to media Masses, but Jesus became human to demonstrate how we are to remain one with God as he was. If the early Christians worshipped alone or primarily with their families, would there now be a church that has survived for over two thousand years?
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, OP
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