Eucharistic Meditation

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mk. 9:49-50)

Throughout the history of the Church, this meal has been considered a sacrificial meal. Sometimes this has caused confusion, and sometimes people have been mislead by the teachings of careless men. But nevertheless Scripture is clear that this meal is the meal which celebrates the last and final sacrifice. It is the body and blood of our Lord for our salvation. It is important to point out that we are not performing the sacrifice again, as though Jesus could die again. His resurrection has secured his life and death cannot have him ever again. But His death continues to give us life, we who have not yet been raised up like Him. This is the communion, the koinonia, the fellowship in the body and blood of Jesus which we share in. It is the salt which gives us our flavor. And it also works as the fire of God, testing and trying our deeds. The Corinthian church was condemned by Paul for their rivalries and competitive spirits. Jesus has likewise exhorted the disciples in our passage today to be servants of all and have peace with one another. Salt means peace in this case. This is the meal of peace. This meal is a memorial before God the Father that He is at peace with us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This meal is a memorial that we eat before each other declaring to one another that we are at peace with each other. That’s the whole point of the passing of the peace before this meal. Finally, this is a declaration to the world of the Lord’s death until He comes. This is a declaration, an olive branch extended to the world, an offer of peace for their salvation. Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.