Eucharistic Meditation, September 21

Communion meditation for September 21:

In many traditional Eucharistic liturgies, the liturgy begins with the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), which includes the words that were sung to Jesus at the time of His entry into Jerusalem: “Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.”

By this song, the church was acknowledging the entry of Jesus to commune with His bride at the table. Normally, we think that Jesus comes to be present at this table as our Host, and that is certainly true. But the Hosanna, and the story at the end of Luke 7, suggest another side to the story: Jesus is here not only as our Host, but in a real sense, He is here as our guest. Jesus, the Incarnate Son, counts us worthy as hosts, and counts this table a worthy place for Him to meet us. He stands at the door and knocks, and if anyone hears His voice and opens the door, He comes to us, and dines with us, and we with Him.

How is Jesus here? Jesus is here through His Spirit, but Jesus also arrives through His body, in your brothers and sisters. How you receive them at this table is how you receive Jesus. If you receive one of the least of Jesus’ brothers, you have received Jesus Himself.

Let us receive Him as He deserves, with lavish love and extravagant praise, by receiving one another.

Hosanna in the Highest. Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.