19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – usus recentior
10 & 11 August 2024
“What is it?” This cry echoed in the hearts of the Hebrews as they wandered through the desert, desperate and hungry. They turned to God, and in His mercy, He provided for them. Each morning, they found an unfamiliar substance on the ground, like little cakes of bread, which they came to call Manna—Manna from heaven. The Hebrew word Manna means, “what is it?”.
As we reflect on this story, we remember another question posed in last week’s Gospel: “Who is he?” Who is this Jesus, who speaks with such authority and offers new teachings? The answer to this question reveals a deep truth about our faith. The homilist skillfully pointed out that while the Manna sustained the bodies of the Hebrews on their journey to the Promised Land, Jesus, the bread from heaven, nourishes our souls and sustains us on our journey to the eternal Promised Land of heaven.
Today, Jesus proclaims, “I am the bread of life.” He draws a clear contrast between the Manna that sustained the Israelites, which ultimately could not prevent death, and the true bread that offers us eternal life. He assures us that those who partake of this bread, His body, will share in the resurrection. This profound teaching invites us to consider how we relate to the gift of the Eucharist.
Reflecting on my own faith journey, I remember discovering the words of the saints, who affirmed the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. As a child, I felt a deep sense of comfort knowing that the faith we hold today is the same as that of the Apostles. It was reassuring to recognize this continuity. However, I also realized that my response was not always humble. There were times I felt self-satisfied, thinking that our understanding was superior to that of others. Yet, we must remember that the gift of faith is not a badge of honor but a call to humility and love.
So, what does God desire from us in response to His teaching about the Eucharist? First, we are reminded that Jesus’ words about the Eucharist are rooted in His identity as the Son of God, who walks among His people. “It is written in the prophets: they will be taught by God.” In the Eucharist, Jesus remains with us in a profound way. Moments of Exposition and Benediction allow us to enter into deep communion with Him, where we can share our joys and sorrows, knowing that He is with us. This presence does not end when we leave the church; it continues in our daily lives. We are called to speak with Him and listen for His voice, whether we are at church or at home.
Second, we are invited to imitate God by offering ourselves as a “fragrant offering and a sacrifice to Him”. In the Holy Mass, when we hear Jesus say, “This is my body; this is my blood,” we are reminded of the depth of His love. As we gather for the Eucharist, we must ask ourselves: for whom are we offering ourselves? Is it for our loved ones—our children, parents, and spouses? Let us be specific in our intentions. We may also consider those who have wounded us, for Jesus offered Himself even for those who have wronged Him.
When we offer ourselves in this way, we not only present our prayers but our very lives. What does this look like in practice? It manifests in acts of service, in fostering a peaceful and joyful family life, and in patiently bearing the shortcomings of others, just as Jesus patiently bears with us.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us open our hearts to the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, allowing His love to transform us and inspire us to share that love with others. May we grow in faith, humility, and generosity, ever grateful for the gift of the bread of life that sustains us on our journey to eternal life.
Amen.