The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
For years I’ve had the chance to stare at these words which beautifully adorn the sanctuary at my local parish in Denver. Most often this takes place in the morning fog of wrangling children, but occasionally I’ll get to ponder this Latin phrase in quiet contemplation. Admittedly, I did not know its meaning until we joined the parish a few years ago and had to look it up. Translation: “And the Word became flesh”. This simple phrase reflects the most foundational truth of our faith that separates Christianity from all other religions. Our God loved us so much that He became one of us, taking on flesh to live an earthly life. Our God, one God, both human and divine.
As St. Paul reminds the Hebrews in today’s second reading, our God “had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people.” What a powerful reminder still today. Our God knows us more deeply than we could ever imagine because He walked with us and suffered with us. And just as Jesus came once before in human form, He remains with us now ever present in the sacrifice of His flesh and blood on the altar.
As my Mass experience has grown more chaotic and less contemplative over the past few years with small children, I have found an increasing reverence and solitude in one particular moment that seems to demand my focus: the procession up to the altar during Communion. As my children finally hold still as we approach the altar, my heart and mind shift towards the magnitude of what is happening. Though my mind knows that Jesus is spiritually with me always, in this moment my heart begins to understand that He is truly with us physically as well.
The Eucharist is a stark reminder that we have a good and faithful God, willing to sacrifice everything for us. He knows us, loves us, and meets us no matter where we are. He is always there waiting.
Lord Jesus, as we remember today your presentation in the temple to the Father, we pray that we may all continually re-present ourselves to you just the same.
Nick Balser is a husband, father, finance professional and Texan living in Denver, CO. Nick works for Undivided Life, an organization aiming to bring work to life and life to work through strategy and culture consulting and small business ownership, helping more people to see business as a blessing.