(This homily owes it's inspiration to a sermon delivered by Bishop Robert Barron. His insights were invaluable!)
Imagine
accident on Rt 82. Police arrive and begin asking questions – did anyone see
what happened? Some did, and they share what they saw. All saw same accident,
but from a different perspective. That is one way to look at the Gospels. They
are the Gospels of Jesus Christ – but according to MT, MK, LK & JN.
Now all the
Gospels speak of a Last Supper. But John does not include the Institution Narrative
– This is My Body, this is my Blood. Instead, he expands on the meaning of the
Eucharist in John Chapter 6. It is called the Bread of Life Discourse We will
read this at Mass for the next few weeks. Today’s story is a great way to
understand the Mass!
1) Went across the Sea of Galilee with a
large crowd following. Always a crowd followed Jesus. Just as a crowd gathers
here for Mass. Catholic – ages, languages, ethnic groups.
2) Went up the mountain – always a place
to encounter God. See how we go up mountain!
3) He sat down – what teachers do –
Cathedral – Cathedra (chair). We are taught – Liturgy of the Word.
4) Passover was near – from slavery to
freedom. Jesus is new Passover: death to life. So, Jesus fed them – the Liturgy
of the Eucharist.
5) Took bread, gave thanks, gave it to
them – Eucharist! They are hungry – Demi Lovato – 12 hours partying – will that
help? – big hug house – will that help? – take a drug – will that help? May she experience healing. Jesus feeds us
with the one thing that will satisfy our hunger – the Bread of Life.
6) Ate till satisfied – filled with God.
They gathered fragments – give to sick or place in tabernacle.
Up the
mountain, they were taught, they were fed, they became the mystical Body of
Christ – and then, they were called: to bring the Presence to a waiting world!
