Jesus’ True Presence

8/9/2024

Jesus’ True Presence

Dear friends on the journey,

Confession time! I scroll social media much more than I probably should thanks to the algorithmic rabbit holes of reels, memes and posts. My feeds are 90% happy photos of family and friends, Catholic and spiritual content like prayers, quotes, and reflections, and inspiriting feel-good stories. The rest is all silliness that somehow speaks truths about human nature in hilarious ways. One I see a lot is about being “hangry.” If you’ve never heard this, it means being bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger. The cure for “hangriness” is quite simple ... eating healthy food that will correct low blood sugar. Once this evens out, the anger, irritability, and grumpiness subsides and we always return to improved mood and function.

When I read today’s first reading about Elijah, I chuckled and thought, “Oh, Elijah’s hangry!” All kidding aside, this was a serious situation in which the great prophet Elijah fearfully fled to the desert to escape danger. Exhausted, weary, and wanting to die, he cried out to God who, with only infinite love and care, knew exactly what to do. God sent an angel with food and water to revive Elijah and nourish him for his next great mission.

Elijah’s story is our story too. In our own deserts, we despair and grumble against God. But today’s readings serve as our reminder to trust in God’s promise to always be with us and that God provides all we truly need for this life. All the Old Testament prophesies point to our one true satisfaction ... Jesus. And in the gospel today, we hear Jesus declare that he is the Bread of Life, the Eucharist, the food for our life, the way to eternal life.

Our Eucharistic celebration, the Mass, reminds us of the ways Jesus is present to us here and now, not just two thousand years ago and not only at Mass, but in all of our life. Jesus is present in the people around us, our community. Jesus is present in scripture. Jesus is present in our faith leaders — lay, religious and clergy alike. Jesus is present in the Eucharist. The appearance and characteristics of bread and wine perfectly hold Jesus’ truest presence, his very being. When we consume the Eucharist we are consciously inviting him into our bodies, our very selves, to be in total communion with Jesus. In this sacred communion, we receive our spiritual nourishment and accept our commission to take Jesus out into the world.

So when you are feeling hangry, you need only to seek Jesus. By leaning on your community for their care and comfort. Community is so important. We find strength and consolation in our family, friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners especially when we share our stories. By opening scripture, especially the New Testament, with the Holy Spirit who will help you hear Jesus’ voice and leading in difficult situations. By turning to spiritual companions for their listening heart and gentle guidance.