Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Seeing is believing.”  This is common wisdom.  If you just show me something, let me see it with my own eyes, then I’ll believe.  You and I come to Mass each Sunday, I think, “eager” to see, and “eager” to believe.  But what are you and I so eager to see today?

I suspect that there may not be very many of us really “eager” to see the Eucharist.  Most of us, I think, have gotten a little “used” to the presence of Christ’s Body and Blood in our midst.

We modern Catholics don’t need much prodding to believe in the Eucharist.  We’re much more eager to see other miracles – miracles that might touch us more poignantly – miracles that might get us to really believe in God.  That might get us to really believe in God’s power.  God’s love.  God’s care and concern for each of us.

“Sure, you’re given us your Body and Blood as our food and drink.  But what have you done for me lately?” 

We’re very eager, I think, for God to really show up!  Cure some cancer.  Get rid of my sister’s lymphoma!  Let a parishioner of our parish win the lottery.  Now, if we saw something like that, then we’d believe!

Maybe we’re not all that impressed with the miracle of the Eucharist – maybe we’re eager for “other,” “real” miracles, instead – maybe we keep coming back to church eager for miracles that are much more “showy” and “impressive” – because we don’t see what’s there for the seeing.

Well….  I’m suggesting this morning that we change our tune with God.  When I hold up the Host and the Chalice this morning, let’s see what’s really there.  When I hold up the Host and the Chalice, let’s see the gift of eternal life!

“This is the bread that came down from Heaven.  Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 

That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?  Let’s you and I see and believe!  Let’s be eager to embrace the miracle that happens right before our eyes every Sunday morning. 

And let’s pray to be satisfied.  Satisfied with just the Body and Blood of our Savior.  Satisfied with a miracle that’s not all that “showy.”  Satisfied with the offer of eternal life!

Paul A. Magnano

Pastor