Communion, the ultimate union

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 6:51-58

Communion - what a wonderful word that signifies not just a special kind of unity, but of an intense reality of oneness that cannot be separated by any time and space!

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us: "Holy Communion, because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body and Blood to form a single body.151 We also call it: the holy things (ta hagia; sancta)152 - the first meaning of the phrase "communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed - the bread of angels, bread from heaven, medicine of immortality,153 viaticum. . . ." (CCC 150 - 153)

First, union with Christ - The Eucharist is the foretaste of heaven because here on earth, union with Christ is made possible.  We further expand this thought by incorporating our thought, word, and deed to that of Christ, making us one body in him.  It is becomes possible for us as recipients of the Holy Communion to be one with each other as one body of Christ.

Second, union with the holy things - communion of saints, the bread of angels, bread from heaven, medicine of immortality.  Such union is totally possible only if we allow ourselves to be united with the Church, which from it is born the saints, the sacraments, and all graces that come out of it.

Third, viaticum - the last food of our journey to everlasting life which is none other than Jesus himself who will embrace us and lead us to his kingdom.

Desire for total union as you receive the Holy Communion, union with God and with one another in the bond of pure love.