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Eucharist is a dream and a reality because Jesus is truly present. A dream because it is the
hope of the future, the eschatological meal of human equality. Today you have gathered
from various backgrounds, the rich and poor, the noble and peasant, aristocrat and the
servant. But when you approach the altar, the Eucharist strips you off all your social status.
You are just an equal among equal. In an unequal and uncaring world, the Eucharist
steadfastly remains the beacon of human equality. The Eucharist calls us to justice. No
other religion elevates justice to this level. No other religion elevates the poor to this level as
Mary narrates after the word was flesh in her the mighty will be brought down and the
lowly will be raised up.
This calls for our commitment to a world of justice. Eucharist calls for a third world war, a
third world war against poverty. A third world war against the cruelty of dogs fed with
sumptuous organic food while poor children scramble for crumbs from the table, a third
world war against a world that produces more weapons whilst more than half a billion do
not get enough food every day.
Despite this happening, the Eucharist will remain a revolutionary flag hoisted everyday on
millions of altars, crying for justice like the prophets of old. The real fasting I need is the
breaking the chains of injustice, remove the yolk of oppression, share the food with the
hungry, sheltering the homeless (Is 58:6-14). This countrys urgent task is to fulfil the
prophecy. This biggest Catholic country in Asia needs to declare a war that fights for
thousands who are still in poverty and forces them to unsafe migration. The economic
injustice and the environmental injustice penetrated with impunity in this country and
elsewhere make our Eucharistic celebrations vulnerable to prophetic attacks. I do not look
at your communion sacrifices; spare me the noise of your chanting, let me not hear your
strumming of lyres; let justice and righteousness flow like a never failing stream. (Amos 5)
This I think is the clarion call to mission today for all of us who attended this congress.
Another world is possible. An economic system that does not treat human beings as
commodities is possible, another world where the world is our common home is possible.
Until that happens,
the Eucharist will continue to be challenged. Our mission remains incomplete.
3. Eucharist as the healing Power for Unity
We are journeying through uneasy times. Hatred based on religion and culture is expanding.
Being Christian is such a risk today. Take the cup; this is my blood is not just Eucharistic
words. It is true in the lives of many Christians today. Not only Christians, the country from
where I come from faced war and conflict for the last sixty years. The world is fragmented.
Humanity is soaked in tears and blood today. Cain continues his hatred for his brother.
Christianity offered a new version of humanity through Eucharist. Before the Passover meal,
Christ offered an example of service, washing the feet of his disciples. Instead of killing a
scape goat, Christ became the lamb of God. He exhorted, Pray for those who persecute
you. He forgave from the Cross. The Eucharist remains a sign of hope for humanity.
The community life of the first Christians were such an inspiring fellowship. (Acts 2 and 4)
Breaking of the bread was a spiritual experience, but it was also a political statement in a
colonized Israel, fragmented as Romans, Pharisees and the poor. Paul could boast In
Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentiles, neither slave nor free nor there is male and female,
for you are all one in Christ (Gal: 2:28). Reality is different but God is the same. Paul once
again defines Eucharist as: The bread is one though we are many, we share one body. (1
Cor. 10:17)
Ang bansang Pilipinas ay nangangailangan ng kapayapaan!
Ang mundo ay nangangailangan ng kapayapaan!
Let this Congress set in motion a movement for reconciliation.
The Eucharist is always preceded by reconciliation. The gospel of Matthew stipulates the
condition for a true reconciliation: If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar,
and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there
before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and
present your offering. (Matthew 5: 23-24)
Christians need to pray with St. Francis of Assisi Make me a channel of Peace, where there
is hatred let me sow love. This unity and reconciliation need to start with our families, our
parishes and communities, among religions. Blessed are the peace makers (Mt 5:9). Peace
is the bread that the Catholic Community waits to share with all communities.
This Congress highlights the presence of God through our veneration to the Eucharist. This
Eucharistic Congress, held in this great city and a great country, make us move from
Eucharistic celebration to Eucharistic commitment in promoting the Eucharist as a mission,
the Eucharist as the bread of justice to the poor, the Eucharist as the bread of peace in
conflict areas. God bless you. Maraming salamat!
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