When we come to the liturgy, we need to use the same initial principle of interpretation that we use when approaching the Word. That is, the first reading is a literal reading. We believe, then we ask questions of what we have been given to deepen our understanding. Another was of putting this is the maxim - lex orandi, lex credendi, that is, "the law of praying is the law of believing." So, when we come for forward to Holy Communion the minister will say: "The Body of Christ" and the communicant replies: "Amen" which is, "truly" or "so be it." It is a statement of belief that follow up from the Great Amen which has been sung or said at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer. In the Gospel for today the people dispute among themselves saying: "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" (Jn 6: 52) Does this doubt enter our hearts too? We, too, need to listen to what the Lord replies: "Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink." (Jn 6: 54) One of the prefaces for this feast sums up the mystery we celebrate in this way: "For he is the true and eternal Priest, who instituted the pattern of everlasting sacrifice and was the first to offer himself as the saving Victim, commanding us to make this offering as his memorial. As we eat his flesh that was sacrificed for us, we are made strong, and as we drink his Blood that was poured out for us, we are washed clean." (Preface I of the Most Holy Eucharist) Let us, therefore, approach this Sunday Mass, more than ever, with hearts open to the mystery of the miracle that is the Holy Eucharist.
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