HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER YEAR B (1)

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: INVITATION TO THE BODY OF CHRIST

BY: Fr Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Jn. 6:44-51) Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

In the day’s Gospel Jesus continues to assert His being the Bread of Life. He makes mention of the Father’s role in drawing us to Him and His patience in letting Him be understood by us. It is in this sense that Jesus came to present Himself as the Bread of Life.

We are encouraged to receive communion at mass. We believe Jesus is whom we receive. Communion connects us with God. Communion is the best response to God’s invitation to love. Communion makes us at peace with Jesus. Receiving Him means accepting Him, His teachings, and His works. Thus, when the priest says, “The Body of Christ!,” we answer “Amen!” “Amen” means “I believe.” Communion is the fulfillment of the Father’s invitation and our loving response. After that, great and good things should happen.

We find refuge in the Eucharist. During days of of longing, confusion, aloneness, fear, and depression, Jesus is our best companion. In the Eucharist, we meet the Lord. He welcomes us lovingly and gladly. We bring to Him our joys, successes, pains, challenges and petitions. We also receive from Him the charisms we need to live our faith. In other words, participating in the Eucharist is living life in accordance with the will of God.

Hopefully, we regard the Eucharist, where we receive Jesus the Bread of Life, as an opportunity to encounter the Lord, share with Him our word, and be empowered by His love. The one who is nourished by the Bread of Life commits Oneself to God body and soul. No wonder martyrs are martyrs. They have the Bread of Life as their breakfast, lunch, supper, and all day merienda!