“Take it,” he said, “this is my body.”  (Mark 14:22)

In Jesus’ time, it was a custom for the pagans and the Jewish to have sacrifices.  They consumed the food offered in the sacrifices.  It was their belief they could be in union with the Holy Spirit by consuming the food offered in sacrifices.

For the Jewish, their chief sacrifice is the Passover which has been a celebration to commemorate the Exodus and the Sinai Covenant.  Based on this Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Blessed Sacrament, to proclaim that humanity is really liberated from sin.

Many apostles left Jesus because they said, ‘How can this man give his flesh for us to eat?’

Jesus said to the twelve apostles, ‘And you – would you also like to leave?’

Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom should we go?  You have the words that give eternal life.’

According to our human nature, it is hard to understand the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, but we need to believe.

“Lord, please increase our faith.”

Furthermore, a greater miracle is that Jesus did not pick those who were outstanding to become priests.  Through them the bread and wine are consecrated to become His body and blood.

Such a beautiful creation can only come from God who is pure love.