June 06, 2010

      I woke up this morning hungry. I'm hungry for a world in which
there is greater peace without the constant threat of war. I'm hungry
for a world in which the poor do not have to beg for food and basic
human resources. I'm hungry for a world freed from ignorance in
which all have access to education and dignified work. I am hungry
for a world in which children can enjoy playful innocence in safety
without the threat of violence and abuse.
      It is painfully obvious that various ways that sin pollutes the
world Here in the Gulf Coast we have a powerful image of sin's
effects. Despite all of our best efforts, sin continues to spew forth into
the world. It is easy to understand how overwhelmed the disciples
feel when Jesus tells them to feed the crowd. Imagine being told that
we are responsible for cleaning up the oil spill. I am sure, like the
disciples, we would have a few objections or at least questions as to
how on earth we might accomplish our mission. And yet, Jesus does
mission us to transform the world by making his presence known.
Jesus tells us to share all that we are and all that we have. Like the
disciples, we are told not to hold back.
      We come together with many concerns. We are a hungry
community and it is that hunger for Jesus' presence which brings us
back each week. We come with our needs, hopes, and desires
trusting that we will be fed at this table. The body and blood of Christ
which we celebrate today is God's response to our hunger. Each
Sunday we gather as a community to feed upon the Body and Blood
of Christ so that it may nourish and strengthen us to continue Christ's
work of transforming the world. This meal we share is not a mere
snack to hold us over until next week. On the contrary, it is a four
course feast in which Jesus is present in the Word proclaimed, in the
Body and Blood consumed, in the example of the priest called by the
community to lead and to serve them, and in the worshiping
community.
      Jesus is present in the Gospel proclaimed in which we hear our
story as followers of Christ. We feed upon this Word and allow it to
transform our minds and hearts as it reminds us of who we are and
who are called to be. We listen attentively to the Word to be filled by
God's response to our needs.
      Jesus is present in the bread and wine which we as a community
present to the Lord so that they become the Body and Blood of
Christ. We come quite literally to eat and to drink and to be filled
with Jesus' body and blood. In opening ourselves to Jesus, Christ
intimately enters our minds and hearts.
      Jesus is present in the person of the priest. This priest which you
have invited to serve you. Yesterday before the ordination,
Archbishop Rodi came over to show me that he was wearing the
garment traditionally worn by a deacon. He explained that as
ordained ministers, we are always servants modeling Jesus who came
to serve and not to be served. I am blessed and happy to say YES to
your invitation to serve you. May that example be one that
strengthens you, feeds you, and gives you hope.
      Lastly, but most definitely not least, Jesus is truly present in you.
As I have transitioned from sitting in the pews to being up on the
altar, I have been privileged to be able to see all the more clearly
Jesus present in you the Body of Christ. Each of you has revealed to
me Christ's presence. We come together as a community to share the
gifts we have received, to share our hopes and concerns, and to offer
encouragement to one another. We are each called to share Jesus with
one another.
      Jesus tells us to take what we have received and to feed the
world. While it is good that we enjoy the feast Jesus offers, the
ultimate task of following Jesus means that we must share what we
have received. We arrive hungry, we feast, we celebrate, and then we
are called to go and to share that which we have received. My hunger
is satisfied by this community gathered in faith which truly is the
Body of Christ blessed, broken, and shared to satisfy all who hunger.