Reflection

Becoming the Mystical Body of Christ

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As we gather around the Eucharistic table and make the death and resurrection of Jesus our own by sharing in the "bread of life" and the "cup of salvation," we become together the living body of Christ.

The Eucharist is the sacrament by which we become one body. Becoming one body is not becoming a team or a group or even a fellowship. Becoming one body is becoming the body of Christ. It is becoming the living Lord, visibly present in the world. It is - as often has been said - becoming the mystical Body of Christ. But mystical and real are the same in the realm of the Spirit.

Share your thoughts on this reflection. These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.

Breaking Through the Boundaries

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nouwen The sacrament of the Eucharist, as the sacrament of the presence of Christ among and within us, has the unique power to unite us into one body, irrespective of age, colour, race or gender, emotional condition, economic status, or social background. The Eucharist breaks through all these boundaries and creates the one body of Christ, living in the world as a vibrant sign of unity and community.

Jesus prays fervently to his Father: "May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you, so that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me" (John 17:21). The Eucharist is the sacrament of this divine unity lived out among all people.

These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.

Watch Home Tonight with Henri Nouwen video.

Not a Conscientious Objector

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As we abide in him and he abides in us, we are receiving his life rather than creating our own independent life.

This statement, paraphrased from the Gospel of John captures the tension, both figurative and literal, of a Christian’s life.

Developing Christ's Character

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old_faithful_500 As a grandparent I have enjoyed watching my children and their spouses sharpen their parenting skills. I now better understand what an important influence parents have on the development of their children’s character. As each year passes I see more and more of my children’s character manifested in my grandchildren. A “Spiritually Exchanged Life” is somewhat similar.

But a child’s character is a blank page—nothing to remove and easy to fill. A new Christian’s character is not blank--already full of self-centerness, and sin. Transforming this old character to take on God’s character requires exchanging my view for God’s view, and a works-based relationship for a grace-based one. This is what Paul means by having the same attitude as Christ. (Phil. 2:5) The more Christ “ abides in us”, the more our character becomes Christ-like. And the more our actions become Christ’s actions. “Exchanged Spirituality” is not easy. Taking on the mind of Christ is a commitment we make when, by faith, we accept Christ’s death for our sin. It requires daily effort. It takes time. And it is never complete. But what a joy!

Let There Be Light

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dcloudsmay11 No one prays for a thing that they fear. No one prays for something they don't welcome.

I used to be afraid of the Holy Spirit. It may never have been stated directly, but I grew up hearing many implications that those who believed the Spirit was active were teaching “false doctrine.” I grew to believe that whatever he was, he wasn't a person, and I needed to stay in meticulous control of my theology. I was determined to be serious about God.