In the lead-up to the 54th International Eucharistic Congress, in Sydney in 2028, Dr Chris Cotter reflects on the scripture theme chosen for this global encounter with Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
“This is my body, given for you” [Luke 22:19].
This text, a line from the last supper narrative in Luke’s gospel, is the scripture theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for the International Eucharistic Congress (Eucharist28) to be held in Sydney in 2028.
For me, it is notable that at this last supper with his friends and disciples, Jesus didn’t say, “This is my idea, given for you”. Jesus could have given us his “idea” or even his “plan” or “strategy”. This would be memorable, noble and good. No, Jesus gives us something far more personal, human and real. He gives us himself, his own body. In other words, Jesus gives himself away.
Now, recall who is in the room with Jesus. Faithful disciples are certainly present. However, for the most part, in that room are disciples who will abandon Jesus; one who will deny him and another who will betray him. Jesus gives his body to people who are unworthy! This is extraordinary; the Eucharist is God’s gift of love in the midst of human abandonment, denial and betrayal. In more traditional language, Jesus came for sinners, that is, all of us.
The very next line in chapter 22 of Luke’s gospel is an instruction: “Do this as a memorial of me”. Jesus gives himself to us and instructs us to do what he has done, so that we will remember him. There seems to be two senses of “do this as a memorial of me”. At the celebration of Mass, the priest leads the assembly in prayer and all who are called to the altar receive Jesus in the Eucharist. And, having received Jesus, at the conclusion of Mass we are sent out to be the embodiment of Jesus in the world. We fulfil Jesus’ instruction to “do this” when we receive him and are nourished in the celebration of the Eucharist and when we live as his disciples each day of our lives.
The Eucharist is always celebrated in the shadow of the cross: Jesus institutes the Eucharist and goes to the cross. Discipleship is all about following Jesus, of taking up one’s own cross (Luke 9:23), the emptying of one’s own life in order to be filled. This is the mystery of the cross and the mystery of living an authentic Christian life, of being Christ’s body for the world. St Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary of death we celebrate this year, said it well: “It is in giving that we receive”. May we live this prayer each day.
Dr Chris Cotter
Director of Mission and Pastoral Life
Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst
