The feast of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, is often a time of reflection on the sacrament of the Eucharist. This is very appropriate, as celebrating this sacrament is the way we are most frequently in union with the universal church, across time, space, and culture.  It is the way we experience the fullness of Christ in his humanity and his divinity. It is powerful and sacred, mystery and gift, transformative yet very much accessible in the moment.

As I reflect on the feast at this time in our world and our church, I am drawn to the Gospel, the well-known story of the feeding of the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. We are told that a crowd of over 5,000 families and groups had gathered to hear Jesus preach. As the day drew late the disciples became concerned about the practicalities of giving people time to disperse and get to food. It is clear that some traveled a great distance, as the disciples wanted to ensure they could seek shelter.  Jesus, however, speaks to the disciples, and across the centuries to all who consider themselves part of the Christian movement. “Give them some food yourselves,” Jesus says. This simple directive is entirely consistent with his ministry of presence and care, of moving those on the outskirts of society to the center of his circle.  Jesus tells us how to follow him. The Body of Christ has very real needs, and we are charged with addressing them.

I have childhood memories of hearing this Gospel preached as a miracle story. Jesus did his magic and multiplied the meager supplies the disciples had so bountifully that a dozen baskets were filled with leftovers. Homilies from later in my life raised the possibility that those who gathered to listen to the Rabbi acted as a community in this moment. People who had brought food for their family, their friends, shared what they had. Not only was everyone fed, but there was an abundance. This wonderful interpretation offers a beautiful model of the Christian mindset. Not only does the Body of Christ have critical needs, but it has the resources to meet them. Doing so requires attitudes that can feel very countercultural. It requires us to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of plenty, from a sense of individuality or tribalism to one of broad and deep connection, from fear to trust.  Rather than dismissing people so they can fend for themselves, as was the disciples’ first instinct, we are challenged to trust that each and all of us have been called into being by a loving Creator. We collectively steward the resources of Earth.

As we strive to live the Gospel in a nation, a world, and a church that are deeply fragmented, let us give gratitude for the Eucharistic feast that binds us to Christ and to one another. But even more, let us focus on how we enflesh the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We are the Body of Christ broken, aching, suffering in horrific ways. We are the Blood of Christ spilled through war, violence, abuse. We can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of these needs. Yet, we are also the present embodiment of Christ’s ministry of healing, of accompanying one another, of feeding each other. We provide the lifeblood of compassion and hope. To live into this call, we must constantly be willing to share whatever loaves and fishes we have with anyone, moving beyond individualism, tribalism, nationality, or the prioritization of any other identity, to model true stewardship in service to all.