The Easter readings are full of references to Jesus making himself present to his disciples and in the Gospel of tomorrow's Mass there is a connection made between the breaking of bread and the identity of Jesus. When his disciples return from fishing Jesus has breakfast ready for them where they eat bread and fish. None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, "Who are you?" They knew quite well it was the Lord. Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. This was the third time that he showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead (John 21:12-14). Sandwiched in the middle of that is another reference to the Eucharist. Once the disciples share the bread with Jesus they are clearly aware of his identity. The fish and bread are signs of their union with each other, but they also help in bringing them closer together. The Eucharist is at the heart of our Christian faith and it is worth noting that it is closely associated with the Resurrection. The Eucharist helps make the Resurrection an everyday reality for us in our lives. It is also the sacrament of unity. Jesus uses bread to bring his disciples together; he also uses it in making himself present to his friends. There has been much controversy about Communion/Eucharist in recent months. Statements by Cardinal Connell have drawn a plethora of varying opinion and views right across the Christian spectrum. It seemed to turn into a serious political row with both sides absolute and definite in their views. In many ways it has all been most unedifying. It is the job of a bishop to explain and teach the Christian message, but so often the central issue gets blurred and all sorts of topics enter the arena. For that reason it was most uplifting to read Father Donal Dorr's recent article in The Furrow, where he points out how the Eucharist is above all a cause and a source of unity between Christians. Everyone is aware that there are divisions between the Christian churches, but we do share much in common. We have different understandings regarding the Eucharist. But if we can pray together in each other's churches, what is so wrong about partaking in Communion in another Church? Is it devaluing our core belief in what the Eucharist means for us? No. Father Dorr cites the parable of the wedding feast, where the one who provides the feast insists on inviting the most unlikely guests, including beggars gathered from the highways and the hedgerows. Some of these people may have had nothing in common with those who were getting married. Such an encounter could be a significant moment for those invited guests to be touched by the notion of communion with each other and ultimately with God. The Eucharist transcends all our man-made categories. It is about creating union with each other and with the risen Lord. It certainly is not a vehicle for creating or causing disharmony among Christians, which seems absurd. The current debate may well afford us an opportunity to ask what our Sunday liturgy means for us. How well do priests celebrate Mass? Is the Eucharist a real cause for union within our community and do we celebrate it with real joy and meaning? Does it make sense celebrating Eucharist every Sunday with people with whom we share nothing? It is somewhat ironic in all the controversy that so little has been said about how we could make the celebration of Mass a more meaningful and prayerful experience. Also, does everyone who goes to Mass on Sunday have the same understanding of Eucharist? In these days of Easter joy we should be doing our utmost to bring about God's kingdom on earth. The Jesus of the Resurrection, the Jesus who breaks bread with his disciples is a loving God, who invites us all to his table.
M.C.