As we begin each day’s reflection, invite the Lord to come be with you as you read and meditate on His Word. Take a moment and read the bible passage slowly, allowing the Lord to draw you to any word or phrase that speaks to you.

Isaiah 25:6-10 

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. On that day it will be said: "Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!" For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

The Lord promises to provide for all people a feast of rich food and choice wines. What a beautiful image to ponder in a world where we are too often consuming over processed, fatty foods that fill us but do nothing to nourish us. Can you allow your imagination to take you to that room where you are sitting at a small corner table, next to a warm fire, gentle music is flowing from a harp in the corner and a single candle is flickering on the table. As you look down, you see a meal fit for a king, with delicious meats, fresh vegetables, and some warm bread right out of the oven. As you reach for a roll you hear His voice and find Him pulling up the chair next to you with a warm smile. “I am so glad you have joined me for this meal. I have longed to share it with you. I have prepared all of this because you are my beloved.” He picks up the basket and holds it out to you. “Here, take and eat.” 

You look at the bread in your hand and look up into His smiling eyes. And suddenly it hits you. The Bread of Life is offering you Himself. This isn’t any ordinary table. This isn’t any ordinary dinner. This feast of rich food and choice wine is His gift. It is a meal sent from heaven for your salvation. 

What if we had eyes that could see this image each time we enter our church to attend Mass? This banquet is offered each day. God calls us to share this meal where He gives Himself as our food and wine. His body and blood are real food and real drink (John 6) and through the Eucharist, He has fulfilled this prophecy and filled our hearts with hope. Let us never take for granted the gift of the Eucharist, where Jesus takes that earthly body He received from Mary and offers it back to the Father for us. Let us truly mean it when we walk up to receive Him and let our Amen ring to the heavens with sincerity and faith. 

Reflection Questions: Do you truly believe what the church teaches about the Eucharist? Do you understand that it isn’t a symbol, but is truly the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus? Take some time today to read John 6. Pray about what Jesus says and how many left because the teaching was too hard. Let the miracle of being able to receive Him within you each time you consume that host or sip that wine change you. Let this Advent be the time where you let Jesus show you His Real Presence. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to see you in the Eucharist. Help me understand that this gift that I can so freely receive is something others around the world have sacrificed their very lives to obtain. May I never take it for granted and may I hunger for the rich food you offer me every Sunday. Amen.