Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

1.     We all want to be in good health. When we feel sick, we quickly consult with the doctor or specialist to do something about it to ensure that we are in good health. There is much revelation these days about the causes of our illnesses, the food we consume, our eating habits and the frequency of the consumption of some food stuff or beverages. This is because some food stuff is better than others in restoring or maintaining good health. In like manner, the persons we associate with determine for the most part our personality. We become like the people we are around the most, and our attitudes are directed by what we consume. If we are around positive, uplifting people, then we are probably positive people. If we constantly consume bad news, then we develop a negative and cynical attitude. This leads to the profound and convicting theme of today’s readings. St. Paul offers a simple yet firm command: “Be imitators of Christ.” We all know you cannot imitate someone you do not know. If you never spend time with that person, your imitation is nothing but a caricature. It will seem forced, and it will be exhausting. People who try to imitate Christ but who do not know him are often the reason that so many Christians are labelled as hypocrites. Some adverts hold that “We are what we eat or consume; our acquaintances define us,” and this is true.

2.     In our first reading, Elijah the prophet of God was chased by Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab for he slaughtered the prophets of Baal, standing for the worship of true God, Yahweh. He is on the run, and comes to this lonely place, having given up life; God sent his angels to feed him miraculously. He had declared; “Lord, I have had enough. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” He wished he were dead; he went to sleep; he is invited to get up and eat. He got up ate the Cake that was baked on the stone and drank a jar of water that stood by. After, he went back to sleep. The second time the Angel of the Lord came and ordered him: “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you! He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.”

3.     Last Sunday, Jesus had told the Jews that he was the bread of life that comes down from heaven, anyone who eats of this bread will never hunger and anyone who drank his blood will never thirst. Today, Jesus continues: “I am the bread of life…. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the World…. Everyone who believes has eternal life.” From this declaration, many conclusions are obvious:

i)                   Everyone who accepts what I am relating to you from Christ as true, that person will eat Jesus’ Body and will live forever. We who eats his Body live here as a family and hereafter we are admitted into eternal life, he wrought for us. Do you make Mass the focal point of your week? We become like the people we spend time with, but we also become what we consume. At Mass, these two things intersect in the Eucharist.

ii)                 Every one of us needs food, for growth, maintenance, and energy for the journey. This life we live here on earth is a journey that can be almost impossible without the required energy. The Eucharistic Bread provides the energy, it paves away our venial sins, assist us in living worthier lives for it transforms us to worthy members of Christ fold in our daily assignments and duties. Jesus’ Body and Blood will become the providential nourishment from God. Jesus promises that as we consume him, we shall become like him and return to the Father in heaven.

iii)               Those who eat the Body of Christ are encouraged in the face of challenging situations. They would not lose heart; they would persevere in demanding situations and in tough times. The Body of Christ helps us carry our crosses and endure our difficulties as we journey through life. His flesh and blood become food for the journey, and even when the walk of discipleship seems impossible as it did for Elijah in the first reading, we have what we need to go on and imitate Jesus. Remain focused and close.

iv)               We are what we eat. When we eat Christ, we become other Christ – we can now let go of the ills others caused us; we reconcile with one another; we sacrifice for others; we do our work with devotion, dedication and love for humanity; we respect others with their belongings and values; we offer ourselves to suffer with Christ for the salvation of the world etc. Our imitation of Christ brings Christ into the world so that others may know him and receive the life he promised. Permit me ask you: “Do you model Christ in your daily life? Do your actions consistently reflect God’s love and goodness?

4.     It is necessary that we all partake of the Eucharistic meal. Whatever prevents you from this meal, work on it and do not doubt that he/she who eats of it will live forever. Remove the barrier that stands on your way to the reception of the Eucharist. I encourage you all to frequently and worthily receive the Eucharist, and do not miss the opportunity to join in the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries and reception of the Eucharist. It would be worthwhile to spend some time this week reflecting on the prominent relationships in our lives, and on the activities, and hobbies that take up most of our time. Do these relationships bring us closer to Christ or steer us towards sin? How can these relationships and activities become more centered on Christ? Do you need to delete any of these relationships or activities from your life? Are you willing to make these changes to become more Christlike? May God grant us the grace to make the right choices so that our lives, our thoughts, our words, and actions be a true reflection of you. To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,

Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of Snows Parishes, Pittsfield and Dexter.