Dying on the cross, Jesus consummates his generosity.  He thus stands out as the most compassionate of all, and the one and only supreme mediator between God and us.

How admirable Jesus’ generosity!   Though rich, he becomes poor for our sake, so that by his poverty we may become rich.  Moreover, there is surely no greater act of generosity than to lay down one’s life for sinners, whom one takes as friends.

Yes, Jesus’ generosity is so amazing. That is because though divine, he empties and humbles himself.  He becomes obedient even to a shameful death.  Making the supreme sacrifice, he is proclaimed the true and only supreme Pontiff. Says Heb 2, 10:

For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.

There is indication here, too, that our High Priest is able to sympathize with us in our sufferings and weaknesses.  After all, he has been tested like us in every way, yet without sin.

Indeed, generosity and compassion are part of the distinguishing mark of the priesthood of Jesus.  He is the one “who has made us into a kingdom of priests for his God and Father.”  The Christian way of life also requires them.

We of little faith, trust, generosity and compassion tend to react like the Twelve.  They say to Jesus, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”  He does not want us to react in such a way.  He encourages us and wants us to be trusting.  That is why he answers:

Give them some food yourselves.

Afterwards, Jesus shows us the great wonder that comes from the generosity and compassion of those who share the little they have to get by.

We prove ourselves sharers of Jesus’ priesthood by our compassion and our readiness to turn our profound poverty into an outpouring of generosity.  That was how the early Christians in Macedonia proved themselves.  St. Gregory the Great says that it is characteristic of holy people that their own painful trials do not make them lose their concern for others’ well-being.

Unless we welcome the poor with generosity, our proclamation of the death of the Lord will turn out sacrilegious. Those who eat and drink without discerning the body of the Lord eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Lord Jesus, make us generous and cheerful givers.  Give us the light that makes us perceive your real presence in the poor (SV.EN XI:26).

May 29, 2016
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C)
Gen 14, 18-20; 1 Cor 11, 23-26; Lk 9, 11b-17