Mark 16:12-16, 22-26
The sacrifice of Jesus plays an important role in Salvation History. We are saved because Jesus gave his sinless body and pure sacred blood on the cross. Jesus became our Passover Lamb to free us from the bondage of all our sins just like the lambs that were sacrificed by the Israelites before they were free from the bondages of Egypt’s Pharaoh. Just like the Israelites who were to remember this Great Deliverance from Egypt, we too are called to remember the love of God who sacrificed His only begotten Son Jesus to deliver us from sin and restore a family relationship (Covenant) with God.
Jesus knows that it is difficult for human beings to perceive spiritual things without the senses. Sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell helps us make sense of the world around us. We are forced to recognize the divinity of the Lord when He performs signs that defy the laws of nature and understanding. Changing water into wine, multiplying just 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed a crowd, walking over water, calming the sea, raising the dead to life and healing many were some of incredible signs witnessed by Jesus’ followers. So is it really difficult for the Lord to transform unleavened bread and wine into His body and blood? – Absolutely not, He is truly present in the Eucharist. He is the bread that sustains us in our journey in life.
The verses of today scripture are used by the Priest during consecration of the Eucharist. We have to realize that at this precise moment, the identity of the priest is irrelevant. It is Jesus himself (in persona Christi) who says.. This is my body… This is my blood.. The words of consecration have never been, ‘This represents the body of Jesus… This represents the blood of Jesus…
There can be no greater thank you to the Lord but realize and develop a deeper sense of reverence for Holy Communion. Consuming Holy Communion helps us participate in the Covenant established by the sacrifice of Jesus. It is through Jesus that we have access to the Kingdom of God.
