Today’s Gospel is one that, even as a life-long Catholic, makes me squirm a little. The words are graphic, the message within jumping out- yearning to be understood. It can be easy for me to settle into the idea that ‘this is just what we do.” Every week, I come to church. The priest says his prayers and I go to communion. And yet - this complacency can be a trap. Every week, I should be ecstatic that I get to consume the body and blood of Christ. Although, there is that uncomfortable word again: consume. So, what are we really doing here, if not being cannibalistic?

I have a few thoughts. The first, is what Jesus promises if we partake in His body and blood. Salvation is no small gift, and yet, it is what we may have if we take Him into our bodies. Participating in communion gives us the spiritual nourishment we cannot receive elsewhere. Furthermore, not long after communion, the Mass is dismissed and we reenter the world at large. My personal favorite way the mass is ended, is by the following phrase, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” For the longest time, I misheard this as “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your light.” But, I love how both can be true. When we receive communion, we shine with God’s light. Then, we are charged with going out into the world and glorifying it with what we have gained. What have we gained? Eternal life! And what a bright future that is. What a great gift to spread through the light of our works in the world.