Guide Questions for Reflection

Solemnity of Body and Blood of Christ

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11-17

1. Why is food as the most essential in human life? Why is the Holy Eucharist as the most
essential in spiritual life?

To survive and stay alive, we all need food. One cannot go for long periods of time without
eating. All of us can survive without other basic needs such as shelter and clothing but one
cannot go without food because food is what provides people with enough energy to get
through the day, it is what satisfies hunger cravings, and it also is what provides your body with
the nutrition needed throughout your life.

The Eucharist, or Lord's Supper or communion is a very special and important occasion where
they remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is the most essential in spiritual life
because it is a sacrament of communion to commemorate all that Jesus did for us and getting
nailed to a cross so we can be free from sin and have eternal life in heaven.

2. Why is sharing necessary in the Holy Eucharist?

Sharing is necessary in the Holy Eucharist because the Church gathers to remember and to
represent the sacrifice of Christ in which we share through the action of the priest and the
power of the Holy Spirit. In the bible, sharing at the Eucharistic Table is a sign of unity in the
Body of Christ and only those in communion with the Catholic Church may receive Holy
Communion.

A person not taking communion will not be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. God Himself
said: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the
last day. (John 6:54) The Eucharist is a share in the inheritance of Heaven. Our vocation on this
earth is to be holy and to follow God’s commandments, which include taking the Eucharist, so
we can live with God eternally. Whenever someone is taking communion, he is reminded with
God’s love to us. Communion is a reminder that God died to save us on the cross to shed His
blood for us. Communion is Christ sharing His heavenly award with us.

3. How did Jesus feed the multitudes?

Jesus performed this miracle of feeding the multitude of five-thousand, with only five barley
loaves of bread and two fish.
Jesus ordered the crowd to sit down in groups of fifty. He took the five loaves, looked up to
heaven, gave thanks to God his Father, and passed them to his disciples to be distributed. He
did the same with the two fish.

Everyone—men, women and children—ate as much as they wanted! Jesus miraculously

multiplied the loaves and fishes so there was more than enough. Then he told his disciples to
gather the leftovers so nothing was wasted. They collected enough to fill 12 baskets.

4. Why do you think that the Holy Eucharist is the source of the food that last forever?

Just as physical food sustains the life of the body, the one who receives the Eucharist receives
sustenance for the soul. Jesus said, “The one who feeds on me will have life because of me” (Jn
6:57b). A meal provides nourishment. At the eucharistic meal, Jesus feeds us with his flesh,
which is “true food” (Jn 6:55a) and his blood which is “true drink” (Jn 6:55b).

A meal is an occasion for forgiveness. If there have been disagreements or hostilities, those
who share a meal lay down the hatchet, reconnect, heal and move ahead together. Jesus
regularly ate with sinners, befriended them, forgave them and offered them a new beginning.
At every eucharistic meal, Jesus forgives us and re-emphasizes his faithful friendship with us.

5. What is your prayer every time you receive Holy Communion? Compose a short prayer.

Lord, I thank You for this Communion and I understand that this cup of wine is not to get drunk
nor is the bread to feast on. But Communion is so that I may focus on my relationship with You,
thank You for not only washing away my sins on the cross, but for welcoming me into a bond
with You. Amen.