Dear St. Philip families, in last week’s Spirit and Truth column, I wrote about the reality of God’s presence in the unfolding of Israel’s history through signs and wonders. My column this week focuses on the real presence of Jesus Christ in the life of the Church. In following their faith, it was customary for Jewish men to travel to Jerusalem three times a year during the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles to appear before the Lord. According to the Talmud, the golden table of the bread of presence  would be moved out of the Holy of Holies where it could be seen by all: 
 

(The priests) used to lift (the Golden Table) up and exhibit the Bread 

of the Presence on it to those who came up for the festivals saying 

to them, "Behold God's love for you!" (Babylonian Talmud)

 

The bread therefore was a visible sign of God's love for Israel. It represented the covenant made by God to Israel. They could now see the veiled face of God and live. (cf. Exodus 33:20).

 

However, during his last Passover, Jesus instituted a new priesthood in his name. Blessing the bread and wine, he offered them to his apostles as his very own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity thereby establishing a new covenant with the people of Israel. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 612) The eucharist (Gk. thanksgiving) would be the new manna given by the Jesus to sustain his Church until the day of his glorious return. Jesus, the new Messiah, was fulfilling the God’s divine plan for the salvation of all peoples. This would be most perfectly expressed by Our Lord’s offering of himself on the cross in expiation for our sins.  

 

From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus began to reveal the meaning of his real presence. His very first miracle, the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, delighted the wedding party. But it had a deeper meaning: Jesus, through whom all things were created, has the power to change nature itself! Many other things Jesus did revealed his divine presence, for example his many healings and casting out of demons. Jesus linked the healing of the paralytic man in Capernaum to his power to forgive sins. Though the pharisees argued that only God could forgive sins, Jesus forgave the paralytic his sins and cured his affliction as he told him, "Pick up your stretcher and go home." (Luke 5:24) Jesus was truly present to the paralytic. His ministry to him was real. 

 

Then there was the feeding of the five thousand when Our Lord multiplied the loaves and fish, foreshadowing the sacramental celebration of the eucharist in his name. All of these miracles were performed by Jesus who is true God and true Man. On Good Friday, the Roman centurion at Calvary testified, saying of Jesus' death, the earthquake and all that was happening: "Truly, this was the Son of God." (Matt 27:54). 

 

But the greatest miracle of all was Christ’s resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday. He was seen by many of his disciples, including Thomas who touched Jesus’ wounds and said, "My Lord and my God." (John 20:28). Jesus continued to be present to his followers in many different places. He visited them and taught them up to the time of his ascension to heaven to sit at his father’s right hand. Though the work of Jesus' ministry was now complete, it was not fully accomplished. It was granted by heaven to the Holy Spirit to work through inspired men and women in the Church to sow the seeds of faith and reap a great harvest. 

 

In retrospect, we can see God's plan unfold from his virgin birth to his ascension into heaven. From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus taught the people, showing them through word and action who he was. He avoided publicly claiming to be the “Son of God” but rather inferred it. Had he not done so, the people who were waiting for the Messiah would have been devoured by needless controversy from the beginning. 

 

Jesus did not want anyone to make him their king in a political sense. (John 6:15) He wanted to be the real presence of God to his people and his new Church. Political parties and armies would only get in the way. Thus Jesus carefully established his church and picked good men aided by the Holy Spirit to carry on the faith. As well, he had to explain by word and example the nature of the true Messiah and the covenantal kingdom he was establishing -- the new Jerusalem. 

 

When it comes to believing in the real presence of Jesus, which camp do you belong to?  Are you like the apostle Thomas who said he would not believe that Jesus had resurrected from the dead until he received sufficient proof? Until he touched his fingers to Jesus wounds? Or do you stand with Peter who firmly confessed his faith in Jesus? "Master, to whom shall we go?” asked Peter. “You have the words of eternal life." (John 6: 68). Ask yourself: What is the nature of my own relationship with Jesus? If you are not sure, come to Mass, receive the Lord in the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, and ask for heavenly enlightenment through prayer. Our Lord speaks to you, Knock and the door will be opened to you. (cf. Mt 7:7)

 

Brothers and sisters, we believe that Jesus the Christ is truly man and truly God. He is the fulfillment of the promise made to our Jewish ancestors more than three thousand years ago. He is our life and our love. He is the way. Come see him as often as you can. O Lord, we follow in the footsteps of all believers who have trusted in you throughout the ages! We believe in your real presence in the community of faith! "And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt.28:20) Sincerely in Christ, Deacon John Sarabia. 

 

 

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