Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 18 August 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 18 August 2024
Gospel: John 6: 51-58
Before the commencement of the public ministry, Jesus refused to turn stone into bread. He refused it because it was not His purpose. He came to turn His flesh into bread!
At the last supper, He turned His flesh to bread! The Word of God incarnated: not to turn pieces of rock into bread, but to transform Himself to be the bread of life! The purpose of the incarnation was to become the Eucharist! Before doing it He discussed the mystery of the Eucharist in detail, which appears in the 6th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. To draw attention to His power to perform the miracle of the Eucharist, He fed the crowd with five loaves of bread. In continuation, He revealed the mystery of the Eucharist, which is being read during these Sundays.
This is the third straight Sunday discussing the Eucharist. Jesus repeated twice the same words in today’s gospel, “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” It is high time to consider if we take these words in its full seriousness.
An unknown protestant pastor once said, “I don’t believe in the Blessed Sacrament, but if I believe, I wouldn’t leave the Tabernacle for a second.” As faithful Catholics, we need to ask ourselves if we live our beliefs.
The Blessed Sacrament is the pivotal force for a true Christian.
Celebrating the Sunday Eucharist along with the pastor and the fellow faithful is vital for Christian life. The Eucharist is not just a memorial but a true celebration and participation in the salvation mystery. We share both the broken Word and the flesh of Jesus during the Eucharistic celebration. Receive them with due preparation. Do not trade it for anything else. Participate in the Eucharist not only on Sundays but also on all days possible.
Finding time for Eucharistic adoration now and then is another significant sign of a believing Christian. By doing so we are acknowledging the gratuitous salvation. There are so many perpetual adoration chapels across the world. Even if there isn’t one near you, go to the nearest chapel or church, and sit in front of the tabernacle in prayer and silence.
Find some time every day to read the Bible prayerfully and reflect on it. Make it a family activity. Because Jesus is present where two or three are gathered in His name. The families that gather together to pray make sure that Jesus is present among them.
Finally, feel and serve Jesus in the needy. Start with your family. Be available for the members of the family and the relatives. Continue it in your neighborhood and wherever there is a need.
Let our lives be a witness to the Jesus who lives in the Blessed Sacrament.
Amen.
