Gathered, Blessed, Broken, Shared
Introducing the readings for the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ - Solemnity, Year C (I)
First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20
Responsorial Psalm Ps 110(109):1. 2. 3. 4. ℟4bc "You are a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17
Introducing the Sunday Readings
The First Reading (Genesis 14:18-20) presents the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, who offers bread and wine to Abraham. This passage is foundational as it establishes the first biblical connection between priesthood and the offering of bread and wine. The historical context is approximately 2000 BC, during Abraham's time, and the immediate context is Abraham's return from rescuing his nephew Lot. Melchizedek's appearance, though brief, is significant as he prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood and the Eucharistic offering. His name means "king of righteousness," and as king of Salem (later Jerusalem), he embodies both royal and priestly roles, foreshadowing Christ's dual nature as priest and king.
The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 110) bridges the Old and New Testaments by prophetically connecting Melchizedek's priesthood to Christ's eternal priesthood. Written by King David around 1000 BC, this royal psalm declares the divine appointment of a priest-king "according to the order of Melchizedek." This connection emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood and its superiority to the Levitical priesthood.
The Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) provides the earliest written account of the institution of the Eucharist, composed around 55 AD. Paul's immediate context was addressing liturgical abuses in the Corinthian church, but he uses this opportunity to transmit the essential tradition he received about the Last Supper. This passage establishes the memorial nature of the Eucharist and its role in proclaiming Christ's death until he comes again.
The Gospel (Luke 9:11b-17), the feeding of the five thousand, demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power while prefiguring the Eucharist. Written around 80-85 AD, Luke places this miracle in the context of Jesus' Galilean ministry. The miracle's Eucharistic overtones are evident in Jesus' actions of blessing, breaking, and distributing the bread, which mirror the Last Supper and every subsequent celebration of the Eucharist.
Celebrating the Jubilee Year:
1. In contrast to today's emphasis on individualism and self-sufficiency, these readings emphasize community and shared sustenance. The Eucharist, prefigured in Melchizedek's offering and fulfilled in Christ, creates a community of believers who share in one bread.
2. Against contemporary culture's focus on the temporary and disposable, these readings emphasize permanence and eternal significance. The Eucharist provides lasting spiritual nourishment for our journey as pilgrims.
3. In an age of virtual relationships and digital connections, these readings remind us of the importance of physical presence and real encounters. The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist offers authentic communion with God and one another.
4. While modern society often prioritizes efficiency and speed, these readings emphasize the value of ritual and remembrance. The Eucharistic celebration invites us to pause, remember, and participate in a mystery that transcends time.
5. In response to contemporary materialism, these readings present a sacramental worldview where ordinary elements like bread and wine become vehicles of divine grace and presence.
These readings remind us that we are pilgrims sustained by divine food for our journey. They challenge the prevailing cultural narratives of self-sufficiency and material fulfillment by presenting the Eucharist as the source of true satisfaction and community. This feast invites us to recognize our dependence on God and one another, offering hope through our participation in Christ's eternal sacrifice and presence.
The Gospel in Focus
Luke 9:11b-17
Verse 11b: "He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured."
This verse demonstrates Jesus' threefold ministry: welcoming (hospitality), teaching (proclamation), and healing (restoration). The Greek word for "received" (apodechomai) implies warm welcome and acceptance. Jesus models the divine hospitality that characterizes the kingdom of God. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to both receive and extend this same welcoming spirit.
Verses 12-13a: "As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, 'Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.' He said to them, 'Give them some food yourselves.'"
The disciples' practical concern reveals human limitations and logic. Jesus' response, "Give them some food yourselves," challenges them (and us) to move beyond human calculations to divine possibilities. This exchange highlights the tension between human inadequacy and divine abundance that pilgrims often experience.
Verses 13b-14a: "They replied, 'Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.' Now the men there numbered about five thousand."
The stark contrast between resources and needs emphasizes human insufficiency. The specific numbers (5 loaves, 2 fish, 5000 men) underscore the magnitude of the miracle and carry Eucharistic symbolism. The five loaves recall the Torah, while the two fish suggest the Old and New Covenants.
Verses 14b-15: "Then he said to his disciples, 'Have them sit down in groups of [about] fifty.' They did so and made them all sit down."
The orderly arrangement (groups of fifty) recalls Moses organizing Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 18:21). This organizational detail suggests the emergence of a new community gathered around Christ. The sitting posture indicates readiness to receive teaching and nourishment.
Verse 16: "Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd."
This verse contains clear Eucharistic language that Luke's audience would recognize from their liturgical experience. The four actions (taking, blessing, breaking, giving) parallel the institution of the Eucharist and continue in the Church's Eucharistic celebration today.
Verse 17: "They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets."
The abundance (twelve baskets of leftovers) signifies the superabundant grace of God. The number twelve evokes the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, suggesting the universal scope of Christ's mission.
This passage:
affirms that Christ continues to feed His people through the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life.
challenges us to trust in divine providence when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
reminds us that ministry and service flow from communion with Christ.
demonstrates that our limited resources, when placed in Christ's hands, can have extraordinary impact.
establishes the pattern of Christian community: gathering, blessing, breaking, and sharing.
For Bible Sharing:
How does this miracle narrative connect with the Old Testament feeding stories (manna in the desert, Elisha feeding 100 men) and what does this tell us about Jesus' identity and mission?
In what ways does this passage prefigure and illuminate our understanding of the Eucharist, and how does it challenge our faith in Christ's Real Presence?
As 'Pilgrims of Hope' in today's world, what are the 'five loaves and two fish' that seem inadequate in your life, and how is Jesus inviting you to trust Him with these limited resources?
Our journey is sustained by Christ's abundant provision, particularly in the Eucharist. The miracle teaches us that hope is not based on human resources but on Christ's power to transform our poverty into abundance.
-Fr Viktor A. RCJ
Rogate ergo Dominum messis, ut mittat operarios in messem suam.
(Matthaeus 9:38)