Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Cycle B)

“I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.” - Psalm 116

Have you ever felt like you were going to die of thirst?

I am talking like cracked lips and mouth, completely parched, in a crawling-through-the desert-sand movie-scene kind of thirst. Ever been there?

Hopefully not, but if you have then the reality of this week’s Psalm should strike you even more profoundly. That is because no matter how much you could possibly thirst for water, it does not remotely compare to the thirst your soul has for the Lord. 

If we do not drink water, our bodies will shut down and die. If we do not spend time with Jesus in prayer and the Sacraments, specifically by receiving His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, then our soul will wither from spiritual thirst.

When people go without food or water for long periods of time, they cannot suddenly eat a normal meal, it is too overwhelming for their system. They need to carefully reintroduce foods in the right way so their body can come out of starvation mode. The same is true for our soul. If you feel disconnected from God or like you are hungering for something more, diving back into the things that used to work might not have the same effect. In fact, it can sometimes lead to us feeling worse and more disconnected than before. Sometimes a simple gesture of openness, five minutes of silent prayer, or a heartfelt return to Jesus in the Eucharist are all we need to bring our souls out of spiritual starvation mode.

We have all been in survival mode during this pandemic. As we emerge from the desolate frontier back into society, we must keep the health and fulfillment of our soul as our first priority. 

This week, receive Jesus in the Eucharist with an open and thankful heart, recognizing the hunger He satisfies and the thirst he quenches in your soul.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt