Sunday, August 18, 2024

Those of you as old as I am will remember that we were not supposed to read the bible when we were growing up.  This was a reaction to the Protestant Reformation: they emphasized the Word of God and saw the Eucharist as only symbolizing the Body of Christ; in reaction, we emphasized the Eucharist as the true presence of Christ and began adoring it, while deemphasizing the Word of God.
 
The Second Vatican Council placed the Scriptures back in the center of our spiritual life, where it belongs.  We need the Scriptures to know how it is we are to live as disciples of Christ. Both the Scriptures and the Eucharist are the Bread of Life, given to us to feed us on our life journey.
 
The Scriptures are the Bread of Life in the sense that they teach us how we are to live and grow as we journey through life.  We are to imitate the words and actions of Christ, the Christ presented to us in the Gospels.  These past weeks, in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul has given wonderful instructions on how to control negative emotions and treat others in a positive way.
 
All of this is a challenge for us human beings with our negative emotions and urges, so the Eucharist is the Bread of Life that strengthens us, as we struggle to live as Christ did.
 
These are two great gifts that have been given to sustain and guide us.  Am I taking advantage of them?  Do I attend Mass regularly, listening to the Word being shared with me and receiving the Eucharist to strengthen me?  Do I take advantage of opportunities to delve more deeply into the Word of God, for example, through our parish Bible discussion groups which are offered both in person and by Zoom?
 
God gives us the Bread of Life to sustain us on our journey, both in His Word and in the Eucharist.  In addition, His Spirit accompanies us and our community accompanies us.  Let’s make sure we are taking advantage of these great gifts.  God bless.
 
Church sign: Will the Word of God keep you from sin or will sin keep you from the Word of God?