Jesus seeks to feed us with his body and blood, so that we may have life to the full.  He loves us, yes, to the end.

For sure, the thirty pieces of silver cannot but feed even more Judas Iscariot’s greed.  But does the traitor sell Jesus for a trifle, asking no high price for him!

And, indeed, there can be no price tag for the one whom Judas sells; he is beyond all value.  After all, he is the rightful heir to the throne of David, even if he comes lowly, riding a donkey.  Not a horse of war.  Still, he has the right to all.  Hence, he can requisition a donkey, a house, or any other thing he needs.

He also has the power to cure diseases and illnesses of all kinds.  Besides, he can also feed big crowds with just a few loaves and fish.  No, there is no doubt that he is worth much more than thirty pieces of silver.

And the irony is that the one who sells for a trifle considers others dear.  Those, too, whom not a few would just throw away, those on the outskirts, the not so wise.  He even calls some of them to follow him.

And it is not enough for him to feed others with loaves and fish.  He also wants them to live by the word of God.  That is why he eats, with his disciples, the Passover.  There, they listen to God’s words and recount God’s works of wonder.

To so listen and recount means to unchain, set free, the word.  It also makes for our obeying God, and not staying stubborn.

Jesus feeds us so that we may have life as we feed others.

At the Passover meal, Jesus also gives his body as food and his blood as drink.  This sacrament sums up the mystery of his passion, death and resurrection for our salvation.  That is to say, this Most Holy Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood lets us know this (SV.EN I:276):

We live in Jesus Christ through the death of Jesus Christ, and we must die in Jesus Christ through the life of Jesus Christ, and our life must be hidden in Jesus Christ and filled with Jesus Christ, and so as to die as Jesus Christ, we must live as Jesus Christ.

Yes, we live off Christ’s body and blood.  And we who live so can, in turn, feed others, which means sacrifice.  And the more we hide in Christ and stay in communion with him, the more he fills us to the brim.  So that we get to live like him, giving of ourselves to others to the end.

Is not this what it means, at least in part, to say that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life?  Of a life that is free, not chained by selfishness and greed?

Lord Jesus, be the one to teach, form and feed us, so that we too may get to teach, form and feed others, and live.

2 April 2023
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion (A)
Mt 21, 1-11; Is 5, 4-7; Fil 2, 6-11; Mt 26, 14 – 27, 66