THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI -- THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Hungry for His Real Presence

Later this year I will be 70 years old; I think that’s old. My mother, who will be 94, laughs at me and says,“You have no idea what old means”.  Being my mother’s daughter and liking to have the last word, I say, “I’m old - you’re ancient.”  I’m not sure I have what it takes to be ancient. But I have a really good example in my mom to show me the way.

I am very grateful for all the years I have been able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. My faith in the real presence of Jesus has changed and deepened over the years. At first I had a simple faith and believed that Jesus was really there in the bread because the Sisters who taught me said so. Also my mother was a good example.

After communion she knelt in her place, closed her eyes and prayed silently for a short time. The quality of this time was something that my brothers and I noticed. Our mom’s minutes with Jesus was something we could see and experience every Sunday.

During Confirmation preparation I was invited to reflect on what the real presence of Jesus meant to me. I was pretty sure that my mom’s experience was fuller and deeper than mine, but she told me to talk to Jesus and begin by simply saying, “Dear Jesus, please help me to welcome you into my heart and my understanding. Please fill me with your love so I can spread it to others.”  

These days I get to be lay Eucharistic Minister. When I lift the host and say, “Body of Christ,” and the members of the community look me in the eye and say, “Amen,” my faith is confirmed and deepened. We are all good examples for each other. The faith community is a good example and strengthens me. 

Once a little boy about two or three years old came up with this dad, and after his dad received communion, he said, “Please?” His dad shook his head no, and I said, "You need to prepare." He said, “but I am hungry.” I replied, "Good, stay hungry.”  Both he and his father looked a little surprised. 

Since then, I pray for all of us that we will stay hungry to know the real presence of Jesus in our hearts, and understand his presence more and more deeply each time we receive communion.

–Hilda Lethe-Drake

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.