Dearly Beloved in Christ,

God had given the Jews manna from heaven for their sustenance during their wilderness wanderings after he had brought them out of captivity in Egypt.  Because of God's provision they did not die.  A miracle food, still remembered with awe over a thousand years later by their descendents.

But that food, miraculous as it was, only endured for a season. For that food was a mere shadow of the living food from heaven, which Jesus astonishingly proclaimed to be his flesh.  And this food would not perish, and indeed those who ate this food would not perish - but would live forever!  Miracle indeed, and much greater still than the miracle of the manna.

Over the centuries theologians have attempted to explain the miracle and the mystery of how the bread and wine at the Eucharist become the flesh and blood of Christ.  An impossibility of course - how does one explain miracle and mystery! 

But there are some beautiful descriptions of this mystery and what is given to us in it at the hand of the Lord himself.  My favorite comes from our great sixteenth century Anglican theologian Richard Hooker:

Christ's words quite plainly assure us that these mysteries, like nails, fasten us to his Cross. By them, as regards efficacy, strength, and virtue, we draw out even the blood of his wounded side. In the wounds of our Redeemer we dip our tongues, we are dyed red both inside and out, our hunger is satisfied and our thirst is quenched forever. Wonderful are the things that are felt, great are the things that are seen, and unheard of are the things spoken by those whose soul is taken over by this Paschal Lamb, who are made joyful in the strength of this new wine. This bread has more substance to it than our eyes can see, this cup, made holy with solemn blessing, affords us endless life and brings health to both soul and body. It serves as a medicine both to heal our infirmities and to cleanse our sins, and as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. It sanctifies us by its touch, it enlightens our belief, it conforms us into the image of Christ. We are unable to define what these elements are in themselves. It is enough for me to receive them as the body and blood of Christ. He promises that they are so, and that is sufficient, for he is able to accomplish that which he promises. Surely the only response of the faithful communicant can be "O my God you are true, O my soul you are happy" (Of the Lawes of Eccelsiastical Polity, Bk V ch lxvii. 12) Richard Hooker (my paraphrase)

 

May we, like Hooker, rejoice in this great gift.

In the Peace, Grace, and Love of our Lord,