The True Value of Eternal Food

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 6:51-58*

*First Reading : Prv 9:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7*

*Second Reading - Eph 5:15-20*

*The True Value of Eternal Food*

*1) St Augustine on Eucharist*

When we eat the normal food, it transforms into the one who eats. It gives him the physical strength. With this strength he is able to work, and do his/her daily works 

But the Eternal Food, that is the Body and Blood of Jesus; one who consumes it, it transforms the person into the image and likeness of Jesus 

This eternal food transforms the person, to become like the one, whose body and blood is received through the Eucharist

*2) Benny Hinn on Eucharist*

It is the Eucharist and the Strong faith on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, differentiates Catholics from all other Christian groups 

There are more Eucharistic miracles in Catholics Church than in any other churches 

The Spiritual wellbeing and the good things, that happen, when one celebrates the Eucharist and receives Jesus in the Holy Bread and Wine, do not happen in any other places and through any other means 

Because Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Jesus. This is the power of the Eucharist

*3) One needs True Wisdom to Understand the mystery of Eucharist*

The first reading from the Book of Proverbs, speaks about the true Wisdom

Wisdom Has built her House with Seven Pillars. These seven pillars are nothing but the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. They are 

Wisdom,

Understanding, 

Counsel, 

Fortitude, 

Knowledge, 

Piety

Fear of the Lord

Through these Seven pillars one can understand the mystery and the value of Eternal Food 

*4) Viaticum - Food for the Journey*

This is a special privilege which we find in the Catholic Church, in the context of Eucharist 

A person who is in danger of Death, the Eucharist is given as a food for the journey 

This journey towards the eternal abode. 

This clearly shows that Eucharist takes a person to the eternal abode 

Eucharist gives a chance for the person to participate in the eternal banquet

Eucharist shows the way to the  person to the eternal Home 

So, this is the eternal value of the Eucharist

*5) The Power of the Eucharist*

It is a true bread came down from heaven 

It is the flesh of Jesus himself, having the quality of eternal life 

One who receives it, will not die, but lives for ever 

No life, without Eucharist. It only gives the real life, a life which has no end 

It has the power to raise one on the last day to eternal life 

*6) Availability of the Eternal Food*

For us Christians this eternal food is available at every Eucharistic celebration

It is a great privilege and Honor for us to have this eternal food, through the Eucharist 

One needs to prepare himself to receive this food in a worthy way. 

St Paul Says *whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord* 

*For all who eat and drink, without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves* (1Cor 11:29-31)

How do I prepare myself to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? 

Have I realised the value of Eucharist, in terms of eternal life? 

What is my reverence to the Eucharist?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*