The Israelites had an excuse, they had to get out quickly. But any savvy traveler will tell you, always pack food for the journey, at the very least a snack! Since God hastily called them to leave Egypt, and because the trip was long (forty years!), out of His loving kindness the Lord provided bread as food for their journey: manna given from heaven, and water from rock. To us it may not sound appetizing, but it certainly sustained them. In our first reading however, Moses told the Israelites, that it wasn’t the manna, but “every word that comes forth from the mouth of God”, (that is, His promise of love and fidelity), that kept them strong and moving onward. The manna was merely the fulfillment of God’s promise.
Today we celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus and the real presence of Jesus in our bread we call “Eucharist” (“Thanksgiving”). Traditionally known as “Corpus Christi” (Latin for “Body of Christ”), this feast day originated in France in 1246 and highlighted the fact that while manna fed the Israelites, it could not give them eternal life. Only the bread of Eucharist which God feeds us, will sustain us through our journey of life into heaven and eternity.
Those of us who share in this meal will always remain in Jesus and Jesus in them, as promised in today’s Gospel. If we eat his flesh (a word He uses instead of “body” to emphasize His humanity) as means of nourishment, and drink His blood, (blood was thought to be the bearer of life and sacred to God), Jesus will raise us up on the last day, just as The Father raised Bread for the Journey Him, to have eternal life with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We know from personal experience that meals do more than just provide nourishment. Sharing meals can also create a bond that can heal divisions and transform relationships. St. Paul declares in Corinthians, that our sharing of the blessing cup of Christ’s blood and breaking the bread of Christ’s body generates a bond that not only unites with Jesus, but also unites us as a community (“body”). But we must always keep in mind that Christian community extends further than the walls of our Church or the gates of our neighborhoods. We are called to be “bread for the journey” to the poor by healing the division between those of us who have, and those who have not. Bread comes in all forms: sometimes our very hands, and encouraging word from our mouths.
Today is also Father's Day. We wish to celebrate Fatherhood and the important role models which Dads are called to be. They are often the "bread" of their families in so many ways - especially by the impact they can make. Thank you Dad's and may our prayer below help you to be all you wish to be as you model for us, by the impact you make, the best Father ever - our Heavenly Father!
Today is also Father's Day. We wish to celebrate Fatherhood and the important role models which Dads are called to be. They are often the "bread" of their families in so many ways - especially by the impact they can make. Thank you Dad's and may our prayer below help you to be all you wish to be as you model for us, by the impact you make, the best Father ever - our Heavenly Father!
A Father’s Day Prayer
Lord, we give thanks for Fathers,
For their love and affection.
For their support and guidance.
For their humour and playfulness.
Bless all Fathers and help them to continue to model God’s unconditional love.
Lord, bless all men who are Father figures for children.
Bless the important modelling they do for children.
By caring and nurturing children
they give them a glimpse of the goodness and tenderness of God. We ask our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.