One of many things I enjoy in my down time feels like somewhat of an odd hobby, and yet it is one that I very much enjoy nonetheless. From the time I was little I always loved making fresh, homemade bread. There is something about the challenge of creating a great loaf of bread from scratch that is simply invigorating to me. It could be learning the intricate process of sourdough. Creating a simple French loaf. Or simply settling for a white loaf as a staple and an old standby. Perhaps attempting to copy Texas Roadhouse’s rolls. Whatever it is- I enjoy going through the process and steps necessary to create that loaf.
Yet, as great a craft and a skill as that can be, there is a problem. No matter what I do with bread, and no matter how much I work it through, there is still something that, as a priest, I can do that is far, far more impressive. It does still involve a form of bread, but it is something so infinitely more powerful that it is almost unbelievable- making small portions of unleavened bread- hosts- into the Body of Christ. Certainly, this is not something I do on my own, but something of a sacred power that is there that I am charged to do. That is far more powerful than any other form of bread that we could have- and even any other food.
The Eucharist, as it exists in the Church today, is a defining characteristic of what it is to be Catholic. The Catechism calls this sacrament “the source and summit of our faith” and it has existed throughout the entirety of our history. The Mass, which comes as the vehicle of prayer that gives us this splendid gift is truly profound and even stops time for just a moment. It comes to us in very humble appearances- looking just like ordinary bread (and the wine like ordinary wine). Yet, through the mystical work in this “Sacrament Most Holy” things change. This is no longer something that is what it appears- but it is something that it may not appear to be.
If we go back just a few minutes and arrive at the book of Genesis, it helps us to understand a bit more about this Eucharist- the very Body of Christ- than we might otherwise arrive at naturally, since we would look at the Eucharist and perhaps feel that it looks, tastes, and smells like ordinary bread. If we go back to Genesis, we can understand a bit more, though, about how we have arrived at this gift of the Eucharist. We go back so far, in fact, that we arrive back at the high priest Melchizedek. Priests at that time are very similar to what priests at this time do. Melchizedek was there to offer sacrifice in the temple, as an offering to God. Whether it was giving thanks for the blessings that would have been poured out upon the people, or even as atonement for sin when the people had done something wrong- sacrifice and ritual was important. That was the role of Melchizedek. So, when Abram approaches, we are told that he brings out bread and wine, and then offers those things up, and blesses Abram. It is a part of that thanksgiving- and not simply a meal that was there. Yet, there is something that is missing here, because the bread and wine, though they were important for worship, they weren’t quite at their fullness just yet.
If we move past the second reading for a moment, and go straight to the Gospel, there is a familiar image here- when Jesus feeds the five thousand. The story begins that Jesus had been speaking to the people and curing them, and at the end of the day, as time came for them to go home or to go and find places to stay the night, there is a clearly evident problem: they are all hungry. The disciples are very aware of this, and so they are asking Jesus to send them away to find food, and Jesus has a very simple and disarming answer: “give them some food yourselves.” Jesus gives them an opportunity to figure out the problem themselves, and all of a sudden, they are thrown into confusion. They have no idea what the solution will be, and they are grasping at straws “Five loaves and two fish are all that we have.” They may not know it just yet, but Jesus is priming them for another time when they will be able to provide a food- but one that will be far more impressive and far more important! Nonetheless, that is not necessarily the concern now, but Jesus does something miraculous. He takes those five loaves and two fish and multiplies them for the crowds. This is such a superabundant miracle, that there are baskets and baskets left. The five loaves and two fish should have fit in one or two. There were twelve by the time that this miracle had been performed. So, this occasion showed that, in the midst of everything else, Jesus was able to provide for the needs of not just a few in the crowd but the needs of every single person- and provide to overflowing. Was this the Eucharist? No, but it was something that prefigures it. It prepares the way for what Jesus does.
What we see in the Catholic Church today is indicated very powerfully by Saint Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. He reminds the Corinthians of what he has received. Yet, what has he received? He has received bread and wine. However, this is not ordinary bread and wine this time, as Paul shows us in the words of institution that Christ said Himself- this is my body- this cup is my blood. Do this in remembrance of me. As often as we receive His Body and Blood- we receive the Eucharist- and we proclaim the mystery of the Cross- where Jesus truly gives us over His Body and His Blood in a very real and visible way.
As we consider just what it means to have the Eucharist- we need that simple and gentle reminder- Truly this is something that is not ordinary- but it is extraordinary! The Eucharist comes to us as often as we come to Mass- and it is something that powerfully impacts us as individuals, but also the Church at large. Let’s go back to the imagery found in the five thousand though, because there are some things there that are important for us to draw out.
First, notice the situation: the people have been following Jesus around all day long, and yet there is something lacking. They are hungry- and they are hungry in a way that only Jesus’s food can satisfy. This is a stark reminder for us- there are plenty of ways to seek out spiritual food, but none of them are going to be as satisfying and as nourishing as the Eucharist, rightly received. The people were still craving something, and Jesus gave them food. He does the very same thing with us- that even upon our coming to Church, there is something still more powerful that He wishes to give us in the context of the Church and the Mass- the Eucharist!
Next, notice the plight of the disciples: at this point, they cannot provide what the crowd needs. They recognize that there is the need for something more, and yet, they aren’t quite sure what it is! Later on in their ministry, they receive it- but at that point- they recognize the people need something more- they need Jesus Himself! Often, we can seek food and nourishment from places that aren’t nourishing at best, or are damaging to us as men and women- and don’t fully satisfy our deepest needs and desires. Why? Because we are settling for something less than Jesus Himself!
Finally, notice that Jesus, when He feeds the crowd, He feeds them to overabundance. We are told- they are satisfied! We might think of that in terms of physical food- however, that is to gloss over the fact that you and I aren’t just hungry in physical ways, are we? We hunger in a lot of different ways. If we are looking for an answer to prayer- we hunger for God’s presence. If we are thankful- we hunger for a way to express gratitude. If we are looking for answers in life- we hunger for the answer. If we are anxious and fearful, or consumed by insecurity- we hunger for peace. Normal food cannot provide for these things- and yet, Jesus, through the Eucharist, is able to provide for each and every one of our needs.
That, my brothers and sisters, would be my question for today- whenever things are going well- whenever you receive blessings like Melchizedek- do you run to the Eucharist to offer God thanksgiving. How about whenever life seems bleak, or you feel like you are struggling to keep your head above water- truly you are hungering for something more- do you run to Mass? Even in the moments when we can feel like we have no energy, or no motivation- the Eucharist is here- Jesus Himself- to provide us with that spiritual and that physical nourishment we need. He satisfies our deepest needs and our deepest cravings. No amount of ordinary bread- not even homemade bread can do that. It is only through the Eucharist that we will ever be satisfied!
They ate- and were satisfied.
Fr. Belken, it’s also fulfilling knowing that I’m not merely an observer in the Eucharistic celebration but an actual participant who could offer the little that I have but nonetheless God accepts gladly and turns it to something extraordinary. At times it just sounds too good to be true and yet it is true! and it is my own and everyone’s story which God chooses to tell everyday out of love.
Thank you and I hope that you’ll continue to share your reflections!