Jesus Gives Himself to Us
When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food for their bodies. We offer friendship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness. When we say, “Help yourself… take some more… don’t be shy… have another glass,” we offer our guests not only our food and our drink but also ourselves. A spiritual bond grows, and we become food and drink for one another. In the most complete and perfect way, this happens when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink. By offering us his Body and Blood, Jesus offers us the most intimate communion possible. It is a divine communion.
—Henri J. M. Nouwen,
Bread for the Journey
In the Eucharist (Communion/The Lord’s Supper), Jesus shares the Gospel in the elements, saying, “This is my body, given for you, take and eat!” and “This is the New Covenant in my blood, shed for you, take and drink!” Today’s reading points out a similarity in opening our homes and hearts to (and sharing our table with) others; in extending ourselves to others we welcome them in the name of Jesus Christ, offering friendship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness. May we look for opportunities to open heart and home to others, opportunities to love others with the love of Jesus, therein bearing the Good News to others. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics