Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Mike Mahinay SVD
Friday 3rd Week of Easter
Introduction
On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. While Armstrong prepared for his historic moon walk, Aldrin quietly unpacked bread and wine. He later described the moment: “I poured the wine into the chalice… In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine curled slowly and gracefully up the side of the cup. It was interesting to think that the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were communion elements. I sensed especially strongly my unity with our church back home, and the church everywhere.”
The Gospel Connection
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives Himself to us in the form of food — one of humanity’s most basic needs. Just as food and the person who eats it become one, Jesus shows His desire to be united with us by giving Himself as the Bread of Life. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (John 6:51).
Union with Christ
Every time we partake of the bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist, we are invited into deeper communion with Jesus. The Eucharist is not simply ritual; it is relationship. It is Christ’s way of saying: “I will not reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37).
Reflection Questions
Each time we receive the Eucharist, we are called to ask ourselves: do we truly feel closer and united with Jesus, or do we simply go through the motions? Are we expressing our desire to be one with Him not only in prayer but also in the way we live our daily lives? Do we allow the Bread of Life to transform us, so that our words and actions become a testimony of His presence in the world?
Conclusion
The Eucharist is more than nourishment; it is union. Just as Aldrin felt connected to the whole Church even on the moon, so too do we experience communion with Christ and with one another every time we receive Him.
“Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, unite me to You in every Eucharist, and let me live Your presence daily.”
One comment