The Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) - B June 14, 2009

Exodus 24: 3-8 Hebrews 9: 11-15 Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

Although I usually make an effort to look over a newspaper on a regular basis, I do not spend time with either national or local news on television. As a result, I realize that I seem to miss hearing abut various events or activities that are part of daily news reporting. One such case occurred a couple of weeks ago when the President and his wife went to New York for dinner and the theater. I caught up with this story later on, in an article in a newspaper which discussed this event not so much in terms of the expense or logistics which were involve, but with the idea of what was referred to as their “date night.” The point of the article, as I understood it, was that for a couple with children to spend a few hours, just with one another, such as for dinner and the theater, was difficult to arrange. Schedules and other demands often prevented this as a possibility. Further, if something was arranged, the couple found themselves at a loss in terms of spending this time together.

All of this led to some further thinking. Perhaps it was even an old-fashioned idea even to think of something like a “date-night.” I wondered about whether I really had heard all that much about the idea of “going out on a date.” This thinking called to mind an article I had seen a few years back which suggested that working on the relationship which we have with God might be looked at in terms of a “date.” This was especially true, it was suggested in the article, with regard to the approach taken to the Eucharist, to being present for Mass.

A way to understand a “date”, especially for those who might find this to be an unknown term, is to recognize it as time which is spent that is focused on the development of a relationship. Aimed, in a way at self-enrichment and the growth of the relationship, the effort is made to increase knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the other person who is considered to be important, of one’s self, and of the relationship.

As I gave this some thought, I realized that there was a risk involved if the very concept of a date was unknown or strange. I realized that the idea of spending time focusing on a relationship may not really be considered or appreciated all that much. I realized as well that the concern for time, interest and entertainment by things which are quick and passing is often given more consideration than the importance and significance of a deep relationship and the benefit that it has for an individual, for personal growth, for personal self-awareness.

All of these thoughts came into play in considering what we recall today, as Church: the Body and Blood of Christ, the Eucharist. The prayers and readings of today’s Mass focus on the central activity, the central gift shared with us in the relationship we have, based on our Faith, we have with God. Not only is God the source of life, of purpose and of growth for ourselves, but God also seeks to enter into and be part of our daily lives. God does this by sharing with us, the Divine presence, the Divine life, through the bread and wine which becomes the Body and Blood of Christ.

So often it is heard that a person prays to God, acknowledges God, recognizes God, but to be present at the Eucharist, to attend Mass, is not really important and is given little if any priority in making choices about how time is spent. There are just too many other things to do: work or play or shop or sleep or recover. Such responses often suggest a selfish and mixed up sense of balance and priorities. I realize that life, daily living, is not what it was. There is a lot of competition for our time and attention. But it all comes down to understanding what is really important for us.

We need only to think about our own human experiences. In any relationship which we have, if the relationship is taken for granted, if nothing is really done about it in terms of spending quality and time and communicating - those things which are to be part of a “date” - the relationship withers and dies. It becomes pretty much of a sham.

In the opportunity for a relationship which is offered to us by God, our source of life and existence, a relationship that leads to a better understanding and appreciation of our lives and of living, God gives us not only words and thoughts, but God’s very self, very presence.

In response to this opportunity, we need to take the time and make the effort to be with others, to join with others who are also loved by God, who are also struggling like us in living day to day. We do this so that we can be strengthened not only by God but by one another. It is in this way that we can grow and appreciate and value what is most important to us.

When we are here, we need to make the effort to listen and respond and react, to be a true part of what is happening, so that the benefit from our relationship with God is gained. Like a “date”, it is time that is valuable and limited, a time that is not to be lost, but used.

To speak of the Eucharist, the Mass, as being like a “date” might be sound strange, if it is even understood. But these are moments which are offered to us, and are offered to all share our faith but are absent, to realize how much value, how much importance, can be found in joining with one another in being nourished and being love by our good and gracious God.