💖 HOMILY - MAY 9 💖

First Reading - Acts 9:1-20

Gospel - John 6:52-59

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). Lumen Gentium echoes this truth, reminding us that all the other sacraments, ministries, and works of the Church are directed toward this sacred mystery. Today's readings lead us to reflect deeply on this central truth of our faith: that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity.

In the first reading, we witness the stunning conversion of Saul. A man once feared by the early Christians for his relentless persecution becomes one of the greatest apostles of Christ. This radical transformation begins with a vision—an encounter with the risen Jesus. The story of Saul's conversion reminds us that God’s ways are far beyond human understanding. God can draw good even from the darkest of intentions. The God who chose Saul, the persecutor, to become Paul, the apostle, is the same God who chooses to dwell with us in the simplest elements of bread and wine. It is a mystery not always grasped by reason, but embraced by faith.

The Gospel of John presents to us one of the most profound and challenging teachings of Jesus: “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” His listeners were shocked. They could not comprehend how Jesus could give his flesh to eat and his blood to drink. But Jesus does not water down the teaching. He repeats it with even greater clarity: “My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” This is not symbolic language. It is a literal and mysterious truth. Jesus insists that only through eating his body and drinking his blood can we have eternal life, can we abide in him, and can we be raised up on the last day.

This teaching was difficult then—and it remains challenging even today. And yet, we believe. As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “The Word gives life to our souls, but the Word made flesh nourishes our souls.” The Eucharist is not just a symbol; it is Jesus himself. He chose simple bread and wine to make his dwelling among us, to be present in a form that can be received and loved, to nourish and strengthen us on our journey.

Dear brothers and sisters, many things in our faith may seem incomprehensible—why God chose Saul, why Jesus would dwell in bread and wine—but we are not called to fully understand. We are called to believe, to trust, and to respond with love and reverence. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “What we corporally see of God is only the body and blood of Christ.” Let us never take the Eucharist lightly. Each time we approach the altar, let us come with deep faith, sincere preparation, and a heart ready to receive him worthily.

May we never forget that in every Mass, Jesus truly comes to us, hidden in the humble form of bread and wine. Let us welcome him, adore him, and allow his presence to transform our lives.

May God deepen our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and help us live as people nourished by him.