The disciples had just participated in an incredible miracle. After Jesus had blessed and broken only a few loaves of bread, they fed first five thousand and then another crowd of four thousand.
- Now they are talking about having no bread, and Jesus tries to warn them about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Herod (Mark 8:15).
- He can’t believe they don’t get it—
- they are still thinking with their heads and not their hearts!
We can’t blame Jesus for taking them to task. After all, he has just shown them that he can feed them with food that is not of this world.
- How are they ever going to get the bigger picture?
- The miracle of the loaves was supposed to prepare them for the last Passover meal he would spend with them
- . As he gave them the bread and wine, he would tell them, “This is my body. . . . This is my blood” (Mark 14:22-24).
- He would give his flesh for the salvation of humanity.
- If they would only get rid of the “leaven” of unbelief,
- they would understand!
Eventually, the twelve did understand.
- After Jesus’ ascension, they celebrated the Eucharist continually,
- and the church has continued celebrating it to this very day.
- But what about us?
- Just because we are Catholic does not guarantee that we never have any questions about the Mass.
- Is it really Jesus’ body and blood up on the altar?
- What happened to the bread and wine?
- Can I really have Jesus living in me to such an intimate degree?
These are real and challenging questions for some of us—but they are questions that Jesus longs to answer.
- If you are confused or doubtful about the Eucharist, let Jesus help you.
- Ask him to build up your faith and understanding as you look for answers in the Scriptures and traditions of the church.
- Let him teach you through the Holy Spirit,
- who will enlighten your mind and deepen our faith.
- We may have to start out praying, “I believe, Lord; help my unbelief,”
- but if we pray from our hearts, we can count on Jesus to answer.
He is with us always, and he’ll never forsake us—even if we don’t really get it yet!
“Jesus, thank you for the amazing gift of the Eucharist! Help me to know and love you more every time I receive your precious body and blood!”
