1.
Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; 1
Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11-17
2.
Biblical Reflection
The
readings of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ reflect on the meal that gives partakers a
new horizon, a feast where all participants are called upon to adhere to
instructions in order to reap benefit. The feast is offered without charge.
Those who collaborate with the instructions given will eat their fill and even
have remnants for the future.
· The Genesis episode
exalts the sharing, charity, and generosity provoked by the sight of those in
need, irrespective of their origin or orientation in life.
· Paul’s address to the
community of Corinth is based on the realities he encounters: strong division,
dissensions, disagreements, classism, and factionalism. Such scandals as these
fostered discord in the community. However, sharing during Eucharist combats
the discord and division and enhances self- giving for the benefit of others,
as Jesus had modeled.
· The multiplication
of bread in the Gospel signifies to us Jesus’ never-ending gift, which is there
for all and of which all will eat and drink their fill without finishing up
others’ share. This nourishment must be received in faith in order to satisfy and
heal partakers. The implication for
Christians today is that to be in communion with the gift of Christ, one must
be ready to share material and share bread with others. This Eucharistic feast,
this breaking of bread, is incompatible with division, wrangles, or vices.
3.
Yes, Kenya Matters
· In Kenya today,
many people go to church for various needs:
-
some
only to accompany their families;
-
children
mainly because they have something to present in church or to take part in;
-
a
couple together because one of them is an official of the church or of some
group, and they have to set the example of a good family, and so the other is
forced to be present;
-
others,
however, who go there for true worship, to break bread and share with other
believers, to be nourished and energized, and to counteract the daily obstacles
to genuine faith.
· Kenyans are going
through tough socio-political and economic times. Many would-be good Christians
are forced into bearing bad Christian witness. Mistrust, infidelity, and
individualism crop up fast and disintegrate social institutions, families,
welfare groups, and worship groups. Grabbing from others has suddenly become
the order of the day. The appetite to destroy others so that one can shine and
have no competitor in the field poses a challenge to Christians. Misusing office
for individual benefit and taking advantage of the powerlessness, ignorance,
and inability of others have become prevalent.
Mindless personal gain at the expense of others is being promoted.
· Today’s Feast of
the Body and Blood of Christ challenges the conscience of every Kenyan to adopt
the spirit of self-giving and sacrifice for the good of others and to care
about the welfare of others just as Jesus did, so that all have enough and the
leftovers benefit others in the community. This feast calls for the eradication
of greedy and individualistic attitudes in order for Christians to be
hospitable and accommodating to others, helping others to fulfill their needs.
Bread and wine was offered to nourish a sojourner: to Abram by Melkisedek and to
the disciples by Jesus. We are sojourners together and we need to care for each
other and share the bread that we have in order to keep each other strong for
the journey.
4.
Link With Catholic
Social Teaching
The
Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the reception of the body and
blood of Christ nourishes and sustains believers to new life amidst all odds.
It strengthens witnesses to be true disciples in order to bear true witness of
faith (CCC 1396-8).[1]
In the Eucharist, the reconciling sacrifice
of Christ recreates the community as a family through mutual forgiveness and
acceptance. In this sacrifice set by Christ, all are invited to live a life of
service and dedication to others.
· The celebration of
this feast addresses and challenges our attitudes, our way of thinking and our
concrete choices. It should overhaul the old life of slavery lived only for
oneself, enclosed in gain, success, and comfort, and often dominated by
selfishness and insensitivity to the cry of others.
· To share bread is to
become instruments of peace, communion, and reconciliation, to break the
barriers among peoples and, by making gestures of charity and service, to make
common cause with those who suffer.
5.
African Wisdom
· People are good
because of their deeds to the clan.
· One who walks with
hungry friends soon learns the shame of hunger.
* CSDC:
“Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church” Paulines Publication Africa
CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Outlines prepared by a Consolata team and edited
by a team of RSCK-JPIC.
[1] http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a3.htm
1396. The unity of
the Mystical Body: the Eucharist makes the Church. Those who receive the
Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Through it Christ unites them to
all the faithful in one body - the Church. Communion renews, strengthens, and
deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. In
Baptism we have been called to form but one body. The Eucharist fulfills
this call: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation
in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in
the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body,
for we all partake of the one bread…"
