I found it difficult this week to relate the readings on the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ to my life. But as I thought about the passages while driving to work, the line from the First Reading struck me – that not by bread alone does man survive. We see this played out as God sent His Son to all for our salvation and manna to the Israelites in their desert journey. And I saw two themes that run through and into my life – the need to nourish my faith and the responsibility to provide for others.
Our base needs are relatively easy to meet – eating when hungry, sleeping when tired. So too are the mental and social needs, as we can exercise our mind solo (through reading, doodling) or with others (engaging in conversation, athletics). But what about our soul? We have to go to the well, that of Everlasting Life.
Nourishing the Soul at the Well
We need to expose ourselves to the community of Christ, through the Word, the Church, the teachings and traditions, and especially the parish community. These aspects offer us plenty of opportunities to put our life and worries into perspective. We could be reading about the struggles of Job, volunteering at a donation drive, or just sitting in quiet reflection. In those moments, we realize that the problems we have are rarely permanent, only passing through our lives at this moment. We see that the world has always and will continue to be confronted with challenges, but the one constant – God – can provide the anchor to help us continue to overcome and help others.
Moving From My World to Our World
And helping others is the next step. We are called to share what we have, both material and knowledge. What good is all the food/knowledge/faith in the world if hoarded? It means nothing until you give freely of what you are able to, in order to help boost others, whether a friend, a child, a spouse, or someone in need. I have learned more about subjects through sharing my knowledge and teaching others, whether my kids about faith, co-workers about processes, or my family about an organization.
The Step Towards Community
Sharing deepens the meaning – it no longer becomes my world, but I became an active participant in our world. And that distinction is more important today than ever. In the first-person dominated viewpoint, we too often fail to take notice of the world around us and see that we are not meant to be isolated in this existence, we are called to be together and a part of the shared experience of this world.
That little first step is the most important, as it sets the cornerstone to build upon. Sharing that first time, going to adoration or confession, engaging with your child’s question on death instead of “ask your teacher”. Because once that step has been taken, momentum builds and we are presented with subsequent opportunities to develop our place here and within the community of Christ.