“Give them some food yourselves.” This line from our Gospel can be a challenge for us. In one way, how do we help to feed those who are hungry? Last weekend, I noted that the food donations for the food shelf have dropped off. Unfortunately, the number of people who use the food shelf likely has grown. For those of you who have children, bringing food for the food shelf can be a good lesson to teach your children. Those who are hungry do not just like lima beans. I remember my mother saying “Bring something you would like.”

Another way we can be challenged by this line is to share the Gospel message. This can be spiritual food. One way of doing that is to live the Gospel as best we can. Knowing Jesus should bring a joy to our lives. Do people see that joy on our face day by day?

This weekend is “Corpus Christi” weekend, that is “The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ”. We are fed by the Body and Blood of Christ every time we come forward for communion. Do we remember that? Or are we sometimes walking through the motions? After the words of consecration it is no longer just a host or just wine, it is forever changed. We should be coming up thinking things like… “Lord, I want to receive you into my very being.” “Lord, may your Body and Blood make my body and blood into you.” Yet we can easily be thinking, “Would you look what she is wearing.” “I need to pick up dressing for the salad for dinner.” Remind yourself to focus on the gift you are about to receive. JESUS

Just a couple of reminders. As you approach to receive, you should make a sign of reverence such as a head bow or a slight bow. If you are receiving on the tongue, please stick your tongue out so the Eucharistic Minister can more easily place the Body of Christ. If you are receiving in your hands, place your dominant hand below your other hand. This way the minister can place the Body of Christ in your non-dominant hand and you can pick the host up without ‘flipping it or popping it like a pill. And please remember when presented the Body or Blood of Christ, your response is “Amen”. The Eucharistic Minister should be able to hear your Amen and then you receive. Another thing that can come up is that we are to receive Jesus, not take Jesus. Please allow the Eucharistic Minister to place Jesus on your tongue or in your hands.

I do not believe there is a huge problem with this here at St Luke’s, however, it is always nice to remind ourselves now and then. We believe that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Blessings

Fr. Backer