June 12, 2009
The Second Half
Body of Christ
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
Yesterday we went to dinner with an elderly friend. Even though Kate is 86 and in frail health, her spirit is lively and strong. She refers to her physical trials briefly and only when asked. An avid reader, she prefers to talk about ideas and her conversation is sparked with questions about what we think about things happening in the news, or ideas from Sunday’s homily, or books we have read. The times we spend with her, though seldom, are always times of blessing for us. It is as though an unseen party is present in the form of a spirit that blesses all of us. We have had the same experience with friends from other times and places. When we’ve had the rare good fortune to come together with those friends again, we’ve found that the easy, comfortable bond we once shared hasn’t been broken by time or distance.
After we came home from our dinner with Kate we began recalling other times when a spirit of blessing was the unseen guest. For many years we were part of a wonderful prayer group that met monthly in members’ homes. Sometimes we called ourselves the “Gourmet Prayer Group” because we always shared a potluck meal first, and some evenings we spent most of our time at the table laughing and talking before we ever got around to the prayer portion of the meeting.
Now, once a month on Sunday mornings we are part of a group that meets for coffee, donuts and scripture study in the hour between Masses. While we are nourished by the Word, something else has taken place among the members of this group. Here again, we have found the presence of this same Spirit binding and blessing the 15-20 members. We look forward to coming together and though we are involved in the serious business of scripture study, somehow the joy we share also results in a good bit of laughter. The gospel focus this week was Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with precious nard. The commentary noted we can pour out our love extravagantly, without reserve or concern about the cost, or we can dole out our love like Judas, counting out measured bits and pieces, always wondering what’s in it for ourselves
This coming Sunday we celebrate the gift of the Body and Blood of Christ. The extravagance of God’s love poured out so abundantly leaves us awestruck with gratitude. There have been times when we have been challenged as to why we feel it necessary to go to Mass each week. We know some who think that praying at home in private can replace going to Mass. For us the sharing in the Eucharistic meal in the presence of the Church community renews and strengthens our connection to the Spirit among us. The gift of the Eucharist provides an opportunity that draws us beyond obligation.
The receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ, the expression of gratitude, the breaking and sharing are powerful affirmations that the Last Supper was the beginning of fellowship in a remarkable company of friends that continues today. It is with this spirit of joy, peace, love and gratitude in Christ that we receive such a magnificent gift.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.