In the Reading From the Book of
Deuteronomy
Dt. 8:2-3, 14b-16a
During the time of affliction in the desert, God took care of his people and gave them the basics that they needed, water and bread. Moses indicates that God intended more than just taking care of physical needs. God fed you with manna...in order to show you that not by bread alone does one live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.
In the Reading, From the First Letter of Saint Paul
to the Corinthians
1 Cor.10:16-17
Paul does not want the Christians of Corinth to take part in pagan sacrifices to which relatives invite them. We have our passover sacrifice, the body and blood of Christ. Notice that in Biblical language, "the body and blood" do not indicate the things as such but the whole person and the event that they signify, namely, Jesus Christ giving himself in his death, in which we share when we partake in the Eucharist.
Moreover, Paul teaches that not only is such partaking communion with the Lord and a guarantee for salvation. It also means communion with the fellow members. God's word: Heed both aspects of Holy Communion!
In the Gospel of John
Jn 6:51-58
Every time we take part in the Eucharistic celebration, we should enter a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice again that the words "flesh, body, blood" stand for the person ! Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him, and through that continuous encounter with our Lord, such persons will have real life, life everlasting.
