God Shows Us His Love by Feeding Us
Summary of Fr. Gerry Creedon's homily May 2, 2010
"Behold, God's dwelling is with the human race." Revelation 21:24
A funny thing happened on the way to church. It was actually more poignant than funny. I was standing at the door waiting for the candidates for First Holy Communion to file in. A mother was standing by my side. She whispered, "This is the last of my children to make his first Holy Communion and I'm going to lose it." She could not contain her tears.
It reminded me of a wedding I celebrated this summer for a niece. I met my brother-in-law outside the chapel following the ceremony; he was in tears. I thought he was moved by the exchange of vows, not so. He explained, "My son has not been to the Eucharist in years, he came to the altar today."
The Eucharist has a special place in the hearts of Catholics. During the Easter season, as we celebrate initiation, it is appropriate for all of us to renew our awareness of the Eucharist.
I asked the candidates, "Since next Sunday is Mother's Day, I wonder how do you know your mother loves you?"
Answers came, "She drives me to church. She takes me to games. She gives me hugs. She helps me with my home work. She gives me breakfast."
Sharing food is one of the elementary signs of nurture and care. God shows us his love by feeding us. The banquet may only be a piece of bread, a pedazo de pan, or a drop of wine. Jesus constantly fed his people. He multiplied the loaves for the 5,000. He shared supper with the twelve before he died. After the Resurrection his appearances were often over a meal. The disciples on the Road to Emmaus did not recognize the stranger. Their eyes were opened at the breaking of the bread. When they left him to go off fishing, he waited for them at the lakeside. He had fish and bread cooking for them on a charcoal fire in the morning. "Come and eat."
With our First Communicants let us all be reawakened to the love of God as we partake of the bread of life.
