This passage describes the first Eucharist, a central part of the Catholic Mass and our faith. Why is it so important? What is the deal with the emphasis on "body" and "blood"? Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ, that it is his body and blood in that bread and wine. This is as central a belief as there is for Catholics. It also was probably as shocking a statement as Jesus could have made to devoted Jews who avoided contact with blood at all costs.
Perhaps focusing on the physicality of "body" and "blood" is too simplistic, too nearsighted. Perhaps the point is Jesus's intent to give his total self, his entire being to his followers - to strengthen, inspire, console and encourage them. The physicality of the sacrament, the very, shall we say unusualness of it, makes it unique and memorable. But at bottom it is a symbol of all the richness and depth that Jesus brings into his follower's lives by his words, his deeds, his wisdom, his compassion, his humility, his love for us and for God. That is worth remembering and giving thanks for. Eucharist. Thanksgiving. Amen.
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