October 1st, 2013 Commentary on Henri Nouwen's Daily Meditation

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Daily-Meditation--Jesus-Gives-Himself-to-Us.html?soid=1011221485028&aid=ROwPxTQzeRc

In case the above link to Henri Nouwen’s Daily Meditation doesn’t work:

Tuesday October 1, 2013 

Jesus Gives Himself to Us

When we invite friends for a meal, we do much more than offer them food for their bodies.  We offer friendship, fellowship, good conversation, intimacy, and closeness.   When we say:  "Help yourself ... take some more ... don't be shy ... have another glass," we offer our guests not only our food and our drink but also ourselves.  A spiritual bond grows, and we become food and drink for one another other.

In the most complete and perfect way, this happens when Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as food and drink.  By offering us his Body and Blood, Jesus offers us the most intimate communion possible.  It is a divine communion.

My Commentary:

A couple of years back in one of my Pastoral care classes we saw a wonderful foreign film called Babette’s Feast.  Here’s the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babette's_Feast

The film has wonderful things to say about what’s truly important and obviously exemplifies loving neighbor through generosity, hospitality and kindness.

In reflecting upon our coming to the table of Christ—just think for a moment: This is Jesus truly given for you! That piece you hold in your hand briefly and partake along with the cup…  IS Jesus~ He builds you up from the inside out.  It is GRACE fed to us and we do as Nouwen says deepen that spiritual bond.  We deepen our vertical relationship with Christ as we open our lives (horizontally) to live GRACE in loving our neighbor as servant leaders.  Leading Cross-shaped lives (vertical and the horizontal of discipleship) is the sacrifice of ourselves for the sake of the many and our Love for God.

God Bless Your Tuesdays!