"What Nourishes You?": Reflection for the Celebration of the Body of Christ, June 6, 2010

Scripture for today, the Celebration of the Body of Christ: Genesis 14: 18-20; 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26; Luke 9: 11-17 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

Whether one thinks of food in terms of survival, nourishment, or pleasure, food retains a very significant focus in life.
Some meals are especially memorable and satisfying, not only because of the food itself, but also because of those who shared the meal. Other meals are especially significant because they recall special people or events.
Today’s celebration of the Body of Christ gives renewed meaning to this awareness of food’s importance as we celebrate the presence of Jesus as food, sustenance and nourishment for our lives.
While telling us meal stories where people are fed (Corinthians, Luke), God’s Word today also challenges us not only to be aware of the significance of nourishment for one’s body, mind, and spirit; this Word also calls us to consider the various ways that we provide nourishment for others.
As this Bread nourishes us, it also helps transform us so that we grow in becoming what we share: the Body of Christ.

To think about: Do I “look beyond the Bread” I eat, realizing that Jesus is not confined to church?
When the Eucharistic Minister says, “Body of Christ”, do I say “Amen” to myself as the Body of Christ as well as saying “Amen” to all who share this meal as the Body of Christ?
Have I thought of myself as bread that Jesus transforms?
How do I help provide nourishment for others?

To do: Be more aware of how you nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
Find some healthy alternatives to some of the nourishment for mind, body or spirit that you or your family consume.
When you contribute to organizations that care for others, reflect on how you are nourishing the body of Christ.
Notice some of the ways you serve and nourish the Body of Christ in others. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta commented, “ To me, Jesus is the Word to be spoken, the Bread of Life to be eaten, the Hungry to be fed, and the Thirsty to be satiated.”

To pray: “We are the Body of Christ”

Next week: 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 2 Samuel 12: 7-13; Galatians 2: 16-21; Luke 7: 36-50