I’ve thought many times about how I would write a simple mediation on the 5th Luminous (full of light) Mystery of the Rosary, which is the Institution of the Eucharist/The Last Supper. When the catechism calls it the “source and summit of the Christian Life” (CCC 1324) the thought of simplifying it into a short meditation seems impossible and even ridiculous.
But the idea that the God of the Universe, perfect in all His ways, and more beautiful than any perfect vision of beauty ever witnessed wants to dwell inside of us and even become a piece of bread to be consumed is also, a bit ridiculous. I mean. He is the great I Am. And we, are specks of dust. In comparison. But what I believe it boils down to is this.
He wants to dine, with us.
And He can’t wait until the final wedding banquet prepared for us in heaven.
He is not even satisfied with sitting closest at the table.
He wants to BE the banquet.
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever, and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh...” (John6:51) and “Truly truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.” (John 6:53-55)
This is why disciples began to question Him in John 6:60 and then walk away in John 6:66. Because who can fathom so desperate a love, that someone would choose to become food, for the beloved?
That is what He did though. And as He introduced this Sacrament for the first time at the Last Supper, He said “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you..”
That is my friends, the bottom line. He earnestly desires, us. So much so He humbled himself to become a little host, a piece of bread, not only to be consumed but to remain in that state, in every tabernacle of the world, until the end of time.
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