Living from God
The readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ are quite moving. The words from Mark’s Gospel are meant to be impactful.
Friends, every day we experience words that can move us, touch us, motivate and support us that make us happy. But we also know that words can deeply hurt. During my sermon during some of our family services, I sometimes like to ask the children questions. In one particular Mass, I asked them this question:
"What kind of things do you like to hear? Whether you are at home, in school or on the playground. What kind of words make you feel good, what kind of things motivate you and give you support?"
Words...
Are they things like, I am listening to you. How can I support you? Let me help you...you are doing great! I am proud of you! I trust you or even I love you! There are also signs that can express a very strong feeling, one that words can not describe.
A Seal of Friendship
As a little boy, I loved watching “Winnetou and Old Shatterhand”. It was a German TV Series and me and my brothers and sisters (we were 9 children!) would sit glued to the television. Winnetou was a Native American Apache chief and Old Shatterhand was an immigrant from Germany. They would ride through the wild West and they developed a deep friendship as they stood up for justice and righteousness. There was a sign of the friendship which really touched me. They didn’t seal it with a contract or a big party. They sealed their friendship with their own blood. It was a sign that would last forever. They became blood brothers.
A Sign of Friendship
We don’t do this these days. There are countless other meaningful signs of friendship - for example, a friendship bracelet or a friendship ring. But this blood sign deeply impressed me. As I got older, I learned of course how important blood is for us humans. This reflection can help us to gain insight into the text of our Readings.
The Book of Exodus
In order to be in relation with God forever, the Israelites, by his command, splashed the blood of young bulls on the altar. This was a meaningful outward sign of the inner belonging with God. For a while, this external ritual was useful. But when we really think about relationship and unity, we feel and experience that peace and reconciliation with God is more than just an external ritual. Words that heal - hands that join - eyes that see, initially have something to do with me and my life.
St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews
That's why the Letter to the Hebrews no longer speaks of the blood of animals, but of the blood of a human being who forever unites humanity with God. It is the blood of the One, who brings reconciliation, healing, peace hope, and life. Jesus Christ, as true God and true man gives himself completely - he offers us his friendship – at the same time giving everything of himself. He offers us his friendship by speaking words to us. Words which move us, touch us, motivate and support, words that nourish us. Words like: I see you, you can do it, I trust you, I love you. God speaks many languages and God uses many signs. In the diverse and indescribable wonders of creation that move the heart of man. “How shall I make a return to the LORD for all the good he has done for me?” I want to bring the Lord an offering of thanks – as we heard in this evening’s psalm.
The Voice of God
God speaks in quiet nuances - in simple signs so that people can understand. It is with this in mind that Jesus Christ chooses two simple signs for the meaningful meal with his disciples, signs which are important in people's everyday lives. They are signs that unite people when they are shared. They are the signs of bread and wine. Bread as food for the body. We ask for it, for daily bread, in the Lord's Prayer. It is an existential plea to God, because for many people in the world they do not have bread for their daily lives. Jesus chooses wine as a symbol of joy of life, of devotion to life. Therefore, it is important - to share the concern for daily bread together.
Bread and Wine as a Sign
It is important to celebrate the joy of life together. Jesus takes this simple bread and wine into his hands and gives thanks for everything his heavenly Father has given him. We do the same by following in his footsteps. The daily bread becomes the Body of Christ. The extraordinary wine becomes the healing blood of Christ Jesus, which unites us all with God and with each other as sisters and brothers.
Dear friends, It brings me great joy to be here with you. To celebrate together and to remind ourselves on this feast day of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ that the love of God knows no boundaries.
May God touch us with his living word and accompany us in Jesus Christ all through our daily lives.
Praised be Jesus Christ. Forever - Amen.