Beloved in Christ,
"For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" ( Jn 6: 55-56). Jesus makes a profound pronouncement in the scripture verses quoted above. The living bread, the sacred meal he feeds his disciples at the Last Supper, is no longer the common or ordinary bread and wine after he offered them in thanksgiving to his Father. What the disciples receive in reality is his real flesh and blood. His sacramental presence in the consecrated bread and wine establishes his presence in all who receive him in faith and state of grace. We must pray for the faith to accept and believe this mystery of the real presence. Several early Fathers of the Church testify to the doctrine of the Real presence; here are a couple:
"We call this food Eucharist....for not as common bread nor common drink do we receive this, but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the Word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too...the food which has been made into the Eucharist...is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus" - St. Justin Martyr (100-195).
"The bread again is at first common bread; but when the mystery sanctifies it, it is called and actually becomes the Body of Christ"- St. Gregory of Nyssa (335-394).
As we delve into the third week of our biblical journey through the Mystery of the Mass, we now embark on the transformative journey of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the second major part of Mass. This powerful celebration, with its preparation and presentation of the gifts, the Eucharistic prayer (1 to 4), the Lord's prayer, the sign of peace, and the Holy Communion, offers us the opportunity for profound spiritual renewal and transformation. It is a journey that inspires hope and renews our faith, enriching our spiritual connection with each other and with God. Let's explore this further in the rest of the homily.
Now, turning to some parish matters- we concluded the OCIA summer series last Monday, August 12, with a talk on prayer that I gave. It was my birthday, and the OCIA team decided to mark the occasion with food and drink. I am deeply touched and grateful for all the love, prayers, and presents I received from many of you last week. Your kindness and generosity have made me feel truly appreciated and valued. May God return the same kindness and generosity to you on my behalf.
Since we are talking about me, there are still upcoming events about me, from my feast day on Tuesday to the anniversaries of my profession of religious vows and priestly ordination. These future events will be significant milestones in my spiritual journey, and I only ask for your prayers. But of great importance is the parish pilgrimage planned for September 2025, the Jubilee Year; it coincides with the 25th anniversary of my ordination to Priesthood. Please consider joining me on a pilgrimage to Rome in 2025. It involves making sacrifices financially and physically. I hope many of you will do this for Christ and me, his servant. Please give it your attention. Thanks.
With thanks,
Fr. Bernard Alayode, OP
"For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" ( Jn 6: 55-56). Jesus makes a profound pronouncement in the scripture verses quoted above. The living bread, the sacred meal he feeds his disciples at the Last Supper, is no longer the common or ordinary bread and wine after he offered them in thanksgiving to his Father. What the disciples receive in reality is his real flesh and blood. His sacramental presence in the consecrated bread and wine establishes his presence in all who receive him in faith and state of grace. We must pray for the faith to accept and believe this mystery of the real presence. Several early Fathers of the Church testify to the doctrine of the Real presence; here are a couple:
"We call this food Eucharist....for not as common bread nor common drink do we receive this, but since Jesus Christ our Savior was made incarnate by the Word of God and had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so too...the food which has been made into the Eucharist...is both the flesh and the blood of that incarnated Jesus" - St. Justin Martyr (100-195).
"The bread again is at first common bread; but when the mystery sanctifies it, it is called and actually becomes the Body of Christ"- St. Gregory of Nyssa (335-394).
As we delve into the third week of our biblical journey through the Mystery of the Mass, we now embark on the transformative journey of the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the second major part of Mass. This powerful celebration, with its preparation and presentation of the gifts, the Eucharistic prayer (1 to 4), the Lord's prayer, the sign of peace, and the Holy Communion, offers us the opportunity for profound spiritual renewal and transformation. It is a journey that inspires hope and renews our faith, enriching our spiritual connection with each other and with God. Let's explore this further in the rest of the homily.
Now, turning to some parish matters- we concluded the OCIA summer series last Monday, August 12, with a talk on prayer that I gave. It was my birthday, and the OCIA team decided to mark the occasion with food and drink. I am deeply touched and grateful for all the love, prayers, and presents I received from many of you last week. Your kindness and generosity have made me feel truly appreciated and valued. May God return the same kindness and generosity to you on my behalf.
Since we are talking about me, there are still upcoming events about me, from my feast day on Tuesday to the anniversaries of my profession of religious vows and priestly ordination. These future events will be significant milestones in my spiritual journey, and I only ask for your prayers. But of great importance is the parish pilgrimage planned for September 2025, the Jubilee Year; it coincides with the 25th anniversary of my ordination to Priesthood. Please consider joining me on a pilgrimage to Rome in 2025. It involves making sacrifices financially and physically. I hope many of you will do this for Christ and me, his servant. Please give it your attention. Thanks.
With thanks,
Fr. Bernard Alayode, OP
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