Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Each of the readings for today mentions food. Melchizedek, the priest of Salem, brings out bread and wine to offer in response to Abram’s victory over kings and the rescue of Lot. St. Paul recounts the institution of the Eucharist, where bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. And the Gospel tells the story of the multiplication of the two fish and five loaves of bread — and the need to share what the Lord has given with others.
God uses food to remind us that we hunger for him.
God feeds us with food as a sign that only he will satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger.
Today’s feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is a celebration of God’s providential care for us. The Word made flesh becomes food for our journey toward God.
In today’s Gospel in particular, Jesus asks his disciples to give what they have so that he can feed the crowds.
The disciples give two fish and five loaves — all that they can find — and the Lord multiplies it and feeds them and tells them to feed those around them.
The Lord wants to satisfy the hunger of the world for the presence of God. He uses us to feed the multitudes with his divine presence. But only if we give him what we have can he multiply it and give us everything we need for the task at hand.
The bread and wine we offer at Mass are gifts to us from God. We give them back to God to be multiplied, or rather, transubstantiated. We say it in the prayer over the gifts, “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the gifts we offer you...” We offer the Lord our gifts, and he, in return, offers us himself, present in the Eucharist, Body and Blood, soul and divinity.
Then the Lord asks us to share what we have received. He asks us to share him where he is needed the most.
Three years ago we began a great National Eucharistic Revival. Today we formally conclude this special period of spiritual renewal. Over these last three years, much has been done in our parishes, diocese, and nation to ponder and proclaim the mystery of the Holy Sacrament of the Altar. But our love for our Eucharistic Lord will not end today. As our Lord gives himself to us in love for eternity, we must do the same as we draw closer to him in the Blessed Sacrament of his presence among us.
Have a blessed week everyone.