This is My Body. This is My Blood

06-02-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris Nunes

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The supper between Jesus and the disciples, right before His passion and death on the cross, had a very special meaning. The words “take this…it is my body” certainly surprised the disciples quite a bit. They needed time to fully understand it.

Bread and wine, transformed into His body and blood and distributed are a clear sign of his desire to give Himself totally, to the last consequences. Keeping nothing for Himself, not even His own life. The cross would be the extreme expression of such self-giving. But His whole life and ministry has been a continuous self-giving, an oblation to the Father on behalf of us.

This is the way of discipleship, the oblation on behalf of others.

“God our Father, for Your glory and our salvation You appointed Jesus Christ eternal High Priest. May the people He gained for You by His Blood come to share in the power of His Cross and Resurrection by celebrating His Memorial in this Eucharist, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.”

Este es Mi Cuerpo. Esta es Mi Sangre

Queridos discípulos, paz.

La cena entre Jesús y los discípulos, justo antes de su pasión y muerte en la cruz, tuvo un significado muy especial. Las palabras “tomen…es mi cuerpo” ciertamente sorprendieron bastante a los discípulos. Necesitaban tiempo para entenderlo completamente.

El pan y el vino, transformados en su cuerpo y sangre y distribuidos, son signo claro de su deseo de entregarse totalmente, hasta las últimas consecuencias. sin guardar nada para sí mismo, ni siquiera su propia vida. La cruz sería la expresión extrema de tal entrega. Pero toda su vida y ministerio ha sido una entrega continua, un sacrificio al Padre en favor de nosotros.

Éste es el camino del discipulado, el sacrificio en favor de los demás.

“Dios Padre nuestro, para tu gloria y nuestra salvación nombraste a Jesucristo Sumo Sacerdote eterno. Que el pueblo que Él ganó para Ti con Su Sangre venga a compartir el poder de Su Cruz y Resurrección celebrando Su Memorial en esta Eucaristía, porque Él vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, por siempre.”