Most of us (hopefully) would know that the Mass is divided into two essential parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. If you have been paying attention during Mass, you would have observed that during the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest says the words: “He took bread and gave you thanks. He broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples …” These words reflect Jesus’ whole life and ministry: “He took bread”, “gave thanks,” “He broke the bread” and “gave it to His disciples…”
From these words, we can learn some important points. Firstly, Jesus ‘took bread.’ By doing so, Jesus took whatever was given to him by His Heavenly Father and did not refuse anything, not even death on the cross. This means that Jesus was totally open to God and let God have full control of His life. In the same way, we too should take whatever may come to us from God and not be choosy. We must also learn to accept people as they are and not as how we want them to be. By taking, we affirm that whatever we have, whether it be posessions or capabilities, ultimately come from God. Secondly, Jesus ‘gave thanks’ to his Father not only for the good times but also for the bad. Many of us seem to give thanks only when good things come our way, but what about bad things? Do we thank God even when bad things occur? To have a grateful heart is the foundation of Christian joy and we must thank God for everything that comes our way. Thirdly, Jesus ‘broke the bread’ to share a meal with his disciples, Jesus’ entire life too was broken and poured out for the salvation of all. We find it hard to allow ourselves to be broken, because of some reason such as shame or we fear others would take advantage of our weakness. But Jesus invites you today to share your brokenness with him and with others, since many others too experience brokenness and are consoled and comforted, knowing that they are not alone, when we share our brokenness with them. Lastly, Jesus “gave it to His disciples…” By giving bread to His disciples, Jesus is giving them life, and in the same way, we too should give and be generous in our giving, just as Jesus gave to us.
Today, let us offer our lives as a fragrant offering to God and to others, so that all may have life in Jesus. Let us be humble and willing to take what God has given us, and be generous in our giving, since all that we have comes from Him. May we learn from our Eternal Master, and grow in relationship with Him as He cares and guides us each day.