We are into the second half of Ordinary Time…the time of ongoing formation for disciples. It is our yearly refresher course in the meaning of our baptism. We are becoming better disciples of the Word with each passing year. Day by day, with each Eucharist, the Risen Lord transforms us, little by little just as he transforms the bread and wine. He makes us more and more food for others and wine to delight our hearts, getting us through the tough times.
So we are slowly moving toward Advent, but we have some important formation to go through yet. Notice that the structure of the Liturgy has just put us through the Bread of Life weeks…yes, the cycle of Mark was interrupted by a few weeks of again turning to John. This happens whenever that Church wants to take our formation into deep water. John’s gospel on the Bread of Life is featured. Why? Because we need to be reminded how our “change” takes place. As Godfrey Diekman, OSB said years ago: “What difference does it make that Jesus can change the bread and wine into his body and blood if he can’t do the same for me?”
So what are the texts after the Bread of Life series doing? They are revealing to us the fruits of this change in us…in the Church…in disciples of the Word. The fruits…? Get ready…to be blessed, broken, and shared…as you become more and more a Disciple of the Word.
Will it hurt…this change you seek in me?
Maybe.
Yet you weigh in the palm of your wounded hand
Just the amount of suffering you need to change me.
You keep on giving…pouring yourself out
In the breaking of the Bread.
There are tough lessons in this Discipleship School
But I have a wonderful teacher
Who never leaves my side.
