March 11, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16)

Jesus told Peter, "If I don't wash you, you have no part in Me." This shows that we are dependent on the initiative of His grace in order to have life. We cannot earn it on our own. We can only receive it. That's what Holy Communion is about. We have a part in Jesus only when we come to His table and partake of His body and blood. It is not merely a symbol but a mystical, yet actual, fellowship (koinonia) with Him through the consecrated elements of bread and wine which we eat and drink with His Body, the Church.

Hopefully, we realize this dynamic and not forsake our assembling together with our fellow believers or trivialize the sacrament. The Eucharist is not merely a religious obligation; it's a requirement for life.