During our last two Sundays, we celebrated the Ascension of Jesus to the Father and then His sending of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. We reflected on how Jesus gave his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to carry forth His word and deeds. We noted how we too, as disciples, are given those same gifts in our Baptism and strengthened in Confirmation to do our part in building God’s Kingdom on earth. But today, we are reminded of the greatest of Jesus’ parting gifts. This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, the gift of Jesus giving Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist. It is, as described in Vatican II, the Source and Summit of our Christian faith. In sacred scripture we have the Word of God. But in the Eucharist, we have the Word of God in person, in His flesh and blood. Today’s Gospel represents a foreshadowing of the Holy Eucharist. Jesus multiplies the loaves and two fish to feed the 5000 who are patiently following Him. We are told that not only are they satisfied but there were enough leftover fragments to fill twelve wicker baskets. There is a message here for us today. Those of us who seek Jesus at Mass and receive His mystical Body and Blood in Communion will also find the satisfaction and fulfillment we have been searching for. The Real Presence of God brings the deepest happiness and peace that is attainable in this world. This is why the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith and our whole being. The Eucharist is our precious spiritual nourishment for the journey of our faith and discipleship. It strengthens us and protects us from our human weaknesses. As we receive Christ in Holy Communion remember the consoling words Jesus gave to His disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) Reflection by parishioner, Dale Gerber