In today’s Gospel we hear of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The people were in need and Jesus provided for them.  Jesus provides food for their journey as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist.

The Lord is present to us in a number of ways.  Jesus is present in the Word of God.  We can also say that he is present in his people, the Church.  The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, however, is a unique presence.  We know through faith the Jesus is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine.  It is not simply a symbolic presence, but rather a true and real presence.  When we say that the Eucharist is a mystery, we are professing that our senses alone cannot grasp the fullness of the Eucharistic presence.

On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ we offer gratitude for such a wonder gift.