Today we liturgically celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Here are some parts of Father Thomas' homily, which thanks to his notes he passes out, makes it easy to remember as well as understand. (Fr. Thomas is originally from India so some words are difficult to make out, which I really find out when I follow along with his notes. He is visiting for the summer.)
"We refer to this event as the Lord's Supper, or the Last Supper, or Holy Communion, or the Eucharist. It is one of the most solemn and significant acts we do as Christians. That is true partly because of the way it ties us to Jesus and helps us experience the meaning of his death for us."
"...it represents participation with Jesus in what he went through. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks, a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Cor 10:16) Through Communion we identify with Jesus. We are identified with him in his death and his resurrection. When we identify with Jesus by faith, we die at the cross. Our old, sinful nature is put to death, and we receive new life here and now."
The celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship. May we all as Christians be drawn closer to each other and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us...in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (John 17:21) (Today's Missal, USCC)
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