Homily: Holy Thursday
“This is My Body that is for You”
by Fr. William Holtzinger
March 24, 2005

“This is my body that is for you.” These words of Jesus quoted by St. Paul are the key to opening up the meaning of that which we all long for: true love. We’ve heard these words over and over every time we celebrate Mass. They are so familiar that we may be tempted to empty them of their meaning. But hear them again and listen anew with your heart: “This is my body that is for you.” Jesus desired to give himself away totally, not just in spirit, not in a metaphorical way, but in a physical, metaphysical, and spiritual way. He desired to give his whole self, his whole life for love of you and me. This was emphasized through the washing of the feet of his disciples and climaxed in his dying on the cross.

So, how do you receive this invitation? Do you come forward at Communion distracted by the stresses of life? Or are you profoundly aware of the wealth hidden in his body and blood? Remember that he freely invites you to be part of him, to be his bride and love him back. Will you waste this awesome gift? Will you accept his invitation and give back totally in return? Receive his invitation. Take him and eat, for you will become his body. By this Sacrament of love, grace will be imparted unto you so that your heart may be changed and become like his heart. Your life will become a blessing-cup as we hear in the Psalm. Your love will grow until it spills over. Then you will be proclaiming the death (the love) of the Lord until he comes.