COMMUNION

    During the past few weeks, we have meditated on different parts of the Mass. Today, we pause for a moment to reflect on the communion rite. In the Eucharist, we receive the body of Christ; and we become what we receive: Christ’s own body, living and active in the world. We come to this table not because we are holy, but because we long to be holy. Jesus nourishes us with his body and blood--not just once in a while, not just on special occasions, but week after week, Sunday after Sunday. The Eucharist is the “bread for the journey” given to us our whole life long, to strengthen us to do Christ’s work in our families and communities, in all the places where we live and work and study. Without him, we can do nothing; but united in Christ, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.

    In a moment we will exchange a sign of peace with each other: and because we are the body of Christ, it is Christ’s peace that we will give and receive. It is the risen Christ who will speak words of peace to us—-through each other. And it is Christ who will then invite us the altar to be filled with the bread of life. So let us remain in him as branches in the vine, and go forth from this place to bear fruit that will last.

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