Last weekend, and for the next 4 weekends, we will be hearing readings from the Gospel of John (instead of Mark) centered around the Eucharist. We will hear Jesus’ teachings about the bread of life; eating and living forever. In thinking about these weeks of Eucharistic teaching, I got to thinking about feeding and being fed. As I worked in my garden and fertilized—fed—my plants, it made me wonder about what we feed in ourselves.
The teachings are clear for us Catholic Christians about what the Eucharist does for us: it strengthens us to carry out God’s work in the world; and it connects us to all creation—all living beings—in the world, our Communities and families. We should take the Eucharist very seriously; it speaks to our deepest commitments and belief—and it authorizes us to act and action as does the Holy Spirit itself. This is nothing to ever take lightly…
Jesus tells us today: “Whoever comes to me will never hunger.” So, what do we feed as we take Eucharist?
Here is a story about hunger and feeding. An old Cherokee chief is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside of me, and it is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil— he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good—he is joy, peace, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside of you, grandson, and also in all other human beings.” The boy thought about what he had heard for a while and asked his wise grandfather, “Which wolf will win this conflict?” The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”
I think the grandson’s question in this story is a question of reconciliation we all need to ask ourselves. Every Sunday, Mass and The Eucharist gives us the opportunity to take stock of our hearts, minds and spirits. What do you feed in your heart of hearts? Food for thought…
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
The teachings are clear for us Catholic Christians about what the Eucharist does for us: it strengthens us to carry out God’s work in the world; and it connects us to all creation—all living beings—in the world, our Communities and families. We should take the Eucharist very seriously; it speaks to our deepest commitments and belief—and it authorizes us to act and action as does the Holy Spirit itself. This is nothing to ever take lightly…
Jesus tells us today: “Whoever comes to me will never hunger.” So, what do we feed as we take Eucharist?
Here is a story about hunger and feeding. An old Cherokee chief is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside of me, and it is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil— he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good—he is joy, peace, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside of you, grandson, and also in all other human beings.” The boy thought about what he had heard for a while and asked his wise grandfather, “Which wolf will win this conflict?” The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”
I think the grandson’s question in this story is a question of reconciliation we all need to ask ourselves. Every Sunday, Mass and The Eucharist gives us the opportunity to take stock of our hearts, minds and spirits. What do you feed in your heart of hearts? Food for thought…
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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