Jelly AliligayJaycee Ann L. Galvez

Ateneo de Manila UniversityMA in Religious Education

A Theological Understanding of the Eucharist as Communion in Deepening and Strengthening Family Life

Statement of the Problem:

The Eucharist is one of the sacraments of initiation in which we receive the body and

blood of Christ.  It is the source and the summit of the ecclesial life. In CFC 1702, “Eucharist is

called the "sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity and a paschal banquet. It also

called last supper, breaking of the bread, holy mass, sacred meal or thanksgiving. Eucharist as

communion means that all who ate the one blessed, broken Bread that is Christ, were drawn into

communion with Him and with one another, to form one single body with Him. When we

receive the Eucharist, we commune with Jesus and build a closer relationship to Him. When we

accept Him, He became our spiritual Bread of life who gives us physical strength nourishes our

soul and purifies our heart.” 1We also experience communion in the family through having closer

relationship, participating in family affairs, promoting harmony and sharing their blessings to

one another. The Eucharist is important to strengthen one’s relationship to one another. If we

make the Eucharist the center of each Christian family, it might build unity and strength within

the family, church and community.

Today, some of the families as communities are breaking apart. There is a weakening of

family ties. Some of the factors that diminishes the family ties are misunderstanding, self-

centered, envious, neglect or lack of love and unable to receive and ask for forgiveness.

1 Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; (Manila: ECCE and Word and Life Publications, 1997) , 1702

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“Therefore the absence of parents may destroy the solidarity and unity in the family.”2 Today’s

situation is really a great challenge for every Filipino Family to look at their spiritual life, the life

that should be nourished and nurtured in the Eucharist. Therefore, the Eucharist as communion

can be one of the sources to deepen and strengthen the family relationships. It is a life that is

centered to Christ. There is a need to be more aware on how the Eucharist may deepen and

strengthen the family life.  Knowing that it is the source and summit of Christian life, we are

called to have a deep understanding on how Eucharist as communion can be a help for us. Being

commune with Jesus is also being commune with others. This can be done by eating together,

providing the needs of others and doing an act of charity. By doing those activities, it can

strengthen family’s relationship.

Lastly, this paper will seek to answer the most relevant understanding of the Eucharist as

communion in every Filipino family:  How can understanding the Eucharist as communion

contributes to deepening/ strengthening family life?

Scope and Limitation

This paper is intended for the parents of St. Francis Xavier Parish.

In the first part of the article, we will talk about the context of the Filipino family today.

Then, we will discuss Eucharist as communion. Included in this article will be the development

of communion as a sacred meal in response to human hunger, a sign of unity and a bond of

charity. We will consult the books, articles, scriptures and church teachings such as NCDP, CCC

and CFC to get some information needed on the topic. “The fruits of receiving communion by

2http://www.slideshare.net/graecha/challenges-and-threats-to-filipino-families. Accessed May 6 , 2014.

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the family are unity with Jesus, liberation from sin, love, mercy, joy, reconciliation and a call to

service.”3 (CFC 1717-1719).

We will describe Filipino practices that relates to their daily experiences, such as being

hospitable and family-oriented which is being manifested in family bonding. Even though there

are united families who exercise close relationship, there are also families who have problems.

There are families who experience brokenness, parents who go abroad and busy working. Here,

the need of the family and their relationships is given an emphasis. It refers to the relationship

between husband and wife, parents and children, and family to God.  Different statements from

articles and books will be used as references in this part. We will cite the insight of Julie Hanlon

Rubio in her book Family Ethics, Practices for Christians to have an idea of the common

concerns of the ordinary family. We will also use the articles of the Filipino priests and laity to

identify the common practices of the Filipino family.

Although we will give emphasis on Eucharist as communion, we will not include the

parts and rite of the liturgy. We would like to give importance to the sacrament of Eucharist as

communion which brings the families in unity and bond of charity. Part of the discussion is the

family problems. This article will not give ways or answer to a particular problem but it will give

a clear understanding of the Eucharist as communion that can help strengthen and deepen their

family relationship.

Objective Significance

“The Eucharist as communion is an important source of strength for couples and families

to live out our communion of love with each other.” 4The family gives us our first experience of 3CFC., 1717, 1719.4http://www.stambrose.us/2013/12/12/focus-on-the-family-how-can-the-eucharist-strengthen-family-life/ . Accessed May 6, 2014

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“communion” in interpersonal relationships. In this paper, we want to show the many ways by

which the Eucharist as communion builds family relationship. The communion within the family

helps each member to grow in unity, charity and commitment to service.

Subjective Significance

Therefore, the families in the Parish of St. Francis Xavier will help them to understand

the Eucharist as communion as a way of responding to their needs, physical, psychological,

social and moral aspect. It must be recognized by Catholic families as a source of charity, and

the basis of the communion and mission of family life. Hence, it will help motivate them to

practice the real communion with their family members as being commune with Jesus Christ.

Methodology

To arrive at some concrete ideas concerning Eucharist as communion;

First, research was undertaken about the situation of the Filipino family today. We used

the National Catechetical Directory of the Philippines and some articles to see the situation with

regards to some threats and concerns affecting the Filipino family.

Second, to identify the meaning and significance of the Eucharist, we seek the insight of

different authors of theological books. We also cite biblical stories and passages that talk about

communion with Jesus. We used the articles and books in understanding the Eucharist as a

communion in respond to Human hunger, unity and bond of charity.

Third, to further give a clear theological understanding of Eucharist as communion, we

used the biblical stories and passages which are related to the Eucharist as a sacred meal, human

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hunger and sign of bond and unity. We give emphasis on the relationships of the family towards

each other and in the society. In response to this communion of love, we also relate the value of

service and commitment in relation for the unity of the community.

I. Soil: Context of the Filipino Family Today

NCDP stresses that “The Filipino family is a cultural – root paradigm in the Philippines.

Hence the word ‘family’ was translated in the Filipino language as sambayanan (literally, one

people) that connotes a cluster of families, a community.”5Another is that “to understand the

motivational and behavioral patterns of Filipinos, it is important to recognize characteristics

features of the Filipino family that influence their personality”.

We all know that Filipinos are known for being family oriented, hospitable, friendly, and

for their endearing traits. NCDP tells us this,

It is a Pinoy trait that can be easily observed. Everyone is welcomed and very much taken cared of.Filipinos are also known of ‘Pakikisama’ because of our kapwa concept, we Filipinos deal with each other in a special way. It is more than just joining or conforming to somebody or something, it is adjusting our lives in order to establish mutual trust and bonding towards each other. Related to ‘pakikisama’ are other life- promoting values such as ‘pakikipag- kapwa – tao’ (love of neighbor), ‘pagdadamayan’(sympathy to a person in need), ‘pagtutulungan’ (service to one another), and ‘bayanihan’ (service to the community). These values affirm the importance of ‘mabutingloob’ as they enable Filipinos to attain communio with the other members of society.6

Generally, NCDP characterized that

Filipinos are happy as long as they can relate and connect with a family, with a community, a group of peers in the neighborhood, school, Church, or workplace.7Filipinos continue to nurture and sustain one another through family togetherness in prayer, through clan reunions, through shared meals and through

5National Catechetical Directory for the Philippines,(Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, 2007), 62.6Ibid., 40.7NCDP, 64.

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mutual support in times of sickness, death, and other tragedies. 8There can be no doubt that the Filipino family plays a vital role in the life of the individual and society. Families are the most important reference group, the core of the alliance system of Filipinos and the primary group where they find security, strength, and support. Loyalty to family and kin, family solidarity and togetherness, as well as concern for family welfare and honor, still rank high in Filipino priorities, despite the rapid changes brought about by modernization and globalization.9

NCDP points out also that “today, there are some factors, threats and concerns affecting

Filipino family that exert a strong influence like parental absenteeism, other form of social

economic pressures, separation from the family etc.As a result, the care of the children is

delegated to relatives or a salaried household help. These problems that the Filipino families face

today reflect the larger problems of Filipino society.” 10

II. Seed: Eucharist

Eucharist comes from the Greek word “Eukaristos” which means thanksgiving. It is

literally means thanks of one who has received “goodly gifts” and who, consequently, is

“thankful”. 11The celebration of the Eucharist is a thanksgiving to God who redeemed us through

Christ and continues to love the humankind. It is a gathering of the faithful which aims to

worship and express their gratitude to God. It is their time to listen to the Word of God that gives

them strength and inspires the people to follow Jesus. It is in the Holy Communion where they

share and receive the body of Christ. It is the time where we communicate to God.

The Holy Eucharist is one of the sacraments that complete Christian initiation. Those

who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more

deeply to Christ by confirmation participate with whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice

8Ibid., 71.9Ibid., 63.10Ibid., 72.11 Karl Rahner and Herbert Vorgrimler ,Dictionary of Theology, (New Revised Edition,1981)

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by means of the Eucharist.12 In this sacrament, the bread and wine signifies the body and blood

of Christ. Jesus says “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22: 19). It means that in the Eucharistic

celebration, we keep in mind the paschal mystery of Jesus who sacrificed to save us from our sin.

Through this sacrament, sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God.

The Eucharist is instituted by Jesus during the last supper. Vatican II, in the Constitution

on the Sacred Liturgy states: “At the Last supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Saviour

instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His body and blood.”13In the last supper, Jesus did the four

solemn acts; took, blessed, broke and gave (Luke 22: 19). These solemn acts are continued

during the Eucharistic celebration as a way of making present the last supper that Jesus had with

the apostles.

Eucharist as Communion

The Eucharist has many aspects like sacrifice-sacrament or sacramental presence. This

article is focused on one aspect of Eucharist which is the communion. “Eucharist as communion

unites us more closely with Jesus Himself, and unites us also with all of our brothers and sisters

in Christ.” 14 It signifies our unity in faith and union with one another in the community of faith.

When we receive the Eucharist, we build a closer relationship to Jesus. When we accept Him, He

becomes our spiritual Bread of life who gives us strength, nourishes our soul and purifies our

heart.

Eucharist is called the “sacrament of love” because it ties with the love to one another.15

It is in the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus that we join in the passion, death and

12 Catechism for the Catholic Chruch, 132213 Sacrosanctum Concilium, 47, 16 quoted and explained in CFC 1676-167714 Ronald Lawler ,OFM, The Catholic Catechism, , 198515 Catechism For Filipino Catholics, 1702

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resurrection of Jesus. It is the love of God the Father that He gave us His only son. It is also the

love of Jesus that He was crucified on the cross.

All who unite with Jesus might become one body with Him. “The Eucharist then

becomes a meal of ‘communion’- a sign of unity and bond of charity.16 It is in the Eucharist that

people from different families come together to be one in worshipping God. In 1Corinthians

12:12, “Christians are to be members that form one body.” In order for us to be one, we have to

join the body of Jesus. This body of Jesus is the church which helps us to be in harmony. Thus,

the relationship that we have with others is the relationship that was built by Jesus. We are one

body with God. To St. Paul, his understanding of membership is “Joined together, all the

members of the body share common life”. 17 Therefore, the relationship of a person to one

another is always for the common good. It is the relationship that shows concern and love to

others. A self-giving love that makes one person grow in faith.

The “Eucharist is not only unity it is also a bond of charity. Eucharist is about being sent

forth. It is the sacrament that symbolizes the unity of all persons in Christ and because this unity

symbolizes by the sharing of food, it makes sense to think of both gathering as community and

feeding the hungry as central to Christian life.” 18 The Eucharist challenges the faithful to also

share what they have to others. It is in the Eucharist, Christ and the Christian community

responds to our deepest human hunger for love and acceptance, for understanding, for clear

purpose in life and for peace in our communities.19

16 Ibid., 1747.17 Norman Wirzda, Food and Faith, Eucharistic Table manners: Eating toward communion, 149.18 Julia Hanlon Rubio, Family Ethics, The practice of Eating; (Georgetown University Press, 2013),132.19 CFC 1747.

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Another name used by the Eucharist is the sacred meal. The “sacred meal “that Jesus

brought out during His public ministry is continued in the celebration of the mass today. The

meal experience by Jesus brought salvation to those who opened their hearts to him in loving

communion. “Jesus used the natural elements of a meal which are (1) coming together, (2)

conversing and (3) sharing food and drink together. This brings salvation and the loving presence

among us.”20 In this meal, we receive the joy where God gives us blessings, mercy, forgiveness

our sins and love that the Holy Spirit brings to us.

According Fr. Harlon, “the Eucharist brings us graces”21. Our souls become more united

to Jesus and it transforms the person towards good. Another significance of communion is to

remove the personal guilt and venial sins.22 It also challenges the person to be united to others

and charity to others.

III. FRUITS OF THE EUCHARIST AS COMMUNIONEucharist as a Sacred Meal (Joy, Love and Mercy at the Table) Satisfies Human Hunger

Julie Hanlon Rubio, in her book entitled “Family Ethics” viewed that “Christian meals

through the lens of the Eucharist yields a more substantive understanding of what Christian

families ought to be about when they gather to eat”.23 This gathering at the table can be

experienced as communion. “At the Last Supper, a final meal, Jesus intended to give his

disciples a meal from which they draw nourishment forever for their spiritual journey. This meal

was testamentary meal, a meal which he eagerly longed to share with his apostles.”24This meal

20 Ibid.,1748.21http://www.Catholism.about.com Accessed May 11, 2014.22Ibid23Rubio, 34 .

24Erasto J. Fernandez, SSS, New Wine in Fresh Skins (Eucharist in the 1st Century) (India: Asian Trading Corporation, 2008), 51.

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also expresses a deep joy and gratitude of an intimate relationship with Christ. Thus, “this

communion in the Last Supper reflecting in the Christian Filipino family meal is not only

focusing on the emotional bonds of being together and family closeness, rather binding

themselves to one another in a community oriented to Christ”. 25A community oriented to Christ

is a family who exercises this love, joy and mercy at the table within the family. Like a typical

Filipino, we are fond of eating together with our family members, relatives and neighborhood,

we expresses this joy of being together reminiscing happy moments, laughter’s and tears .It is a

vital ingredient to build and strengthen family relationships. Thus as Filipino family, we are all

endowed to participate in our call to love, gratitude and mercy towards one another. In one of the

article made by Fr. James McTavish“To be Sharers of God’s Mercy to Others”stated that “In

practicing mercy Jesus gives us a commandment: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

(Lk 6:36). We are called to be instruments of God’s mercy. He desires that our families be as

good as they can be that we try to love each other as much as we can.” 26

The Eucharist fulfills the fundamental human need for communion with God and others.

In sharing a meal together, physical hunger is not only satisfied but also our spiritual, emotional

hunger for understanding, reconciliation, love, communication, liberation from fear, envious,

insecurities and all the things that might hinder us towards a good relationship with others.27

Thus, the “Eucharist indeed is the sacrament of communion between brothers and sisters who

allow themselves to be reconciled in Christ.”28The connection between reconciliation and

Eucharist as communion in the family explained in CFC 173 that

25http://www.hprweb.com/2012/03/mary-mother-of-mercy-christ-the-power-of-merciful-love/ Accessed May 11, 2014

26Ibid.27Laarni. P. Pecolera, Modules on the Basic Formation Session on the Eucharist as Communion Sacrament

for the M.L.S.T Temporary Professed Sister, (2012)28Sacrosanctum Concilium, 89

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“The Eucharist as communion was instituted by Christ to climax his ‘meal ministry’ of reconciliation with His Paschal feast of loving communion with his apostles. Moreover this manner of reconciling is typically Filipino. We develop ‘smooth interpersonal relationships’and reconcile with one another by inviting others to come, sit down, and share in eating and drinking in a fraternal meal.” 29

To satisfy human hunger for love, one must be able to give love and receive love without

any condition. “The Eucharist is not only a reminder of Christ’s love for us but also of his

command that we love one another as he loved us. To love even to the point of self-sacrifice (Jn.

15: 13; 1Jn 3: 16) and to love in spite of the other person’s unworthiness (cf. Rom 5:8).”30 It

means that in communion with our family, we must be able to see the worthiness of each

member of the community, open communication is necessary as well as the need for

understanding. Therefore, parents must realize their responsibility for their children. One of the

examples may be taking care of the needs of their children. Saying “Kumusta na?” is another

way of showing that a member of a family is given an importance. On the other hand, there are

also children who have no parents and yet they find relationship with others as their family like

those people who are willing to offer their help and company. Aside from that, there are parents

who are abroad and far from their children. Through there’s a constant communication with the

help of technology today, they find time to be with their children too. Parents, who are separated,

may share time to bond with their children to express their joy and love to one another.

Another is to liberate us from our own fear, jealousy, and insecurities. One must be free

from these hindrances that make us prisons of our own selves. It is very important for the

Filipino family to give each other the opportunity to grow and develop themselves to live in a

29 Catechism for Filipino Catholics, 1783.30Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani Jr. DD, The Eucharist and the Filipino, (Makati: Salesiana Publishers, Inc.), 79.

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free and harmonious relationship. Therefore, the image of Jesus eating with His apostles can be

the source of a personal communion with the family.

Eucharist builds Unity and Bond of Charity

The Eucharist signifies unity of Jesus to His church. “In the early church, the Eucharist is

the place where the disciples come together to obtain their inspiration, strength and

sustenance.”31 This is the venue for them to express their loving relationship with one another.

As Filipino family, we are challenged to commune with one another by sharing food, expressing

their respect and discussing important details in their life. By sharing our thoughts, plans and

ideas during meal time, each member of the family feels accepted and valued by other members.

They show their care, when a member of a family experiences a problem in life. It is the time to

give their helping hand and show how much they love the person. For instance, one of the traits

of Filipino families is “bayanihan” where in they show their unity as one family. This is the

beginning of their intimate relationship. Some members of the Filipino family are far from their

love ones but still find time to go home especially during special occasions like graduation,

Christmas, New Year’s and birthday celebrations. Just like Jesus with His disciples, Filipinos

express their happiness when they connect to everyone using social media or the special effort of

a person to go home.

The gospel of John 6:56 says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in

me and I in him." If we receive Jesus in our life, He lives with us. Jesus is the one who gives

strength and provides spiritual nourishment. That in our daily lives we became strong to face the

challenges that will happen to us. "God is a community of relationships, we find the fullness of

31 Norman Wirzda, Food and Faith, Eucharistic Table manners: Eating toward communion, (United States of America, 2011), 149.

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our lives in the relationship we forge and many roles we play.”32Thus, we form relationships with

our family. God created human to be in a relation with others. This human being relates with

others and builds personal friendship. It is clearly seen when for years they do not see each other,

they missed one another and find time to be with one other by having reunion in the family

which shows that they try to find a way of being united to one another. Same with the Eucharist,

we are gathered as one to celebrate our gladness to God. The family becomes united when they

celebrate togetherness. When they are gathered, they are reminiscing the past and joyfulness of

the heart.

The Eucharistic gathering of the faithful in the celebration is a call to be united in the

community. It is the community where everyone is accepted. No one is left behind, even the

outcast in the society. It is the call for taking care of others especially the poor. Just like the

Filipino family, they see to it that everybody is in good terms by extending their help to the

needy. It can easily be observed that Filipino families are known of “pagtutulungan,

pagdadamayan, pakikisama and bayanihan”.33To be in one in the body of Christ is to feed the

hungry of God. To be Eucharistic means to take care for the earth. We take care not only to the

human being but the whole creation. We are not above all the creation but we are one with the

creation. We commune with all creations of God. “Eucharist is a bond of charity which makes

Eating meals together is associated not only with strong families but with strong

communities.”34Charity means being one and those who come to the Eucharist are to be one with

all creation.

The families who are bonded with charity to others are also connected with God. This

shared action of communion begins at home. It is in the family that we first learn and practice

32Michael Asis, I am Because We Are; (Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press,2010), 4.33 NCDP 4034 Rubio,130.

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this value towards others. “In the Eucharist, we give thanks to God both for the blessings of

creation and redemption.”35 The Eucharist is our nourishment to promote harmony between

human and the rest of creation by the way we live our lives through the guidance of our family.

In this way, we commune in the community of God. These are some of the fruits of the Eucharist

that we can bring out if we will understand it more deeply.

IV. Conclusion

The Eucharist is the one of the best seed that we can plant in the family because it helps

them to be strong and united. Families have different backgrounds and yet they still stand as one

family. If we understand the true meaning of the Eucharist, we can bear fruits of wisdom. We

can use these fruits to build a community of God who takes care of God’s creation. Everybody is

equal and everyone is accepted. Where there is love, mercy and joy in the family, human hungers

will be fulfilled. The Eucharist as communion should be planted in different soil of the families.

35 David Power, Worship, (The Catholic University in America, Washington, DC., September 2009) ,393.

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Module

Topic: A Theological Understanding of the Eucharist as Communion in Deepening and Strengthening Family Life.

.

DAY 1 – EUCHARIST AS COMMUNION

I. Reflect in the song "One Bread, One Body".

Q and A: How is the song related to our relationship with God? What particular part of the mass

do you receive Jesus?

The song signifies our being one with God. We are united as one body. Even we are

different to one another, we have one purpose in life. That is to be with God. During

communion, we receive the body of Jesus that recognizes our relationship with Him. This

communion with God has instituted by Jesus Himself. Let us find it out in the Gospel of Luke.

II. Sacred Scripture: The Last Supper (Luke 22: 1-23).

III. Talk: Discuss the importance of the Eucharist as communion.

Why we go to mass? What is the significance of the Eucharist in our life?

Eucharist is a celebration of thanksgiving. It is the source and summit of Christian life. It

is the sacrament of love. When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist it is not only species of bread

and wine that we partake, rather it is the body and blood of Jesus Christ that strengthen and

nourish our spiritual life. It transforms a person towards good and reconciles with Christ. There’s

more than just partaking the body and blood of Jesus Christ, but it leads us to have an intimate

relationship with Him. Thus, Communion is understood as having a personal relationship with

Jesus.(See on pages 6-9 of the article)

Reflection: In what way will I deepen my personal relationship with Jesus?

IV. Activity: Faith Sharing. This time the parents will share their experiences where Jesus relates

in their life. The time when they felt that Jesus lives in their family as the bread that gives them

strength and nourishes their faith. They will be divided into five small groups with five members

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Objectives:a. To have a theological understanding of the Eucharist as Communionb. To deepen their relationship with God and with others.

Introduction: This module is intended for the Catechists of St. Francis Xavier Parish. This will set as their guide in BEC seminar about family.Target audience: Parents involved in the churchNumber of participants: 25 parentsAllotted time – 1 hour per dayNumber of day: 3

and will be given 15-20 minutes to share to their group. After the sharing in the small group;

three volunteers will be called to share for the big group.

Day 2: - SACRED MEAL SATISFIES HUMAN HUNGER

I. Review: The last session, we discussed about the importance of the Eucharist as communion.

This session focused on the family in communion with one another.

II. Activity: Pair Share. What is family for you? Why is family important? How will you

describe your own family? What are the needs of your family?

III. Picture Analysis: Jesus eats with the sinners and tax collectors

What did you notice in the pictures?

Is this possible to happen in our family? How?

As parents, how will you satisfy the hunger of your family?

IV. Talk: Focus on how Eucharist as a Sacred Meal can satisfy human hunger, not just

physically but emotionally, and spiritually.

At the Last Supper of Jesus with His apostles, we are not only physically nourished but it

is a sacred meal that satisfies our need for love, acceptance, understanding and constant

communication. Families gather together not just to share food and drinks to one another but to

experience and share this love, mercy, understanding and reconciliation towards others. The

family gives us our first experience of “communion” in interpersonal relationships, spiritually

and emotionally. These are all important aspects in our lives to deepen and strengthen family

relationships. (See on pages 11-12 of the article)

Reflection: How will I contribute to deepen and strengthen relationship with my family?

V. Activity: Faith Sharing. This time the parents will be given time to reflect and ask themselves

what they have done or what supposed to be done to make their family relationships

strengthened and deepened by love, joy, mercy, understanding and reconciling with one another.

This has to be reflected in our families just the way that we understand our relationship with

Jesus. To commune with Jesus is also to commune with others. They will be divided again into

five small groups with five members and will be given 15-20 minutes to share to their group.

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Day 3: EUCHARIST BUILDS UNITY AND BONDS OF CHARITY

I. Review: In the previous session, we reflect on the Eucharist as communion in relation to our

family relationship. If we build love, good communication and forgiveness, we may satisfy

human hunger and commune with our family.

II. Activity: Community building. The parents will build a strong community using straws in

their small groups.

What are the characteristics of strong community? How will I build these in our family?

III. Video watching: How beautiful by Twila Paris36

What did Jesus do to His disciples? What is the significance of Jesus’ washing of the feet?

Why did Jesus crucify on the cross?

Jesus set an example of service to His disciples. A good and strong community is built not

only with love, joy and forgiveness but also in true service that we did. We commune with

our community if we built good relation by doing charity and giving our hand to those who

are in need. Mother Theresa, a missionary of charity is another model. As she said, “By

blood, I am Albanian; by citizenship, an Indian; by faith, I am Catholic nun. As to my

calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus”37 . She

commune with others by doing sacrifice for the sake of others.

IV. Talk: How the Eucharist as communion can build/strengthen family life and united

community?

Through unity and charity of a family, we may deepen our relationship with others and build

a strong community. We build the community of God by showing our love and concern not

only to our family but for the all creation of God. (See on pages 12-14 of the article)

Reflection: How will I contribute to deepen and strengthen relationship with my community?

V. Faith sharing. The parents will be given time to think on how to build good relationship with

the creation. They will share their plans and purpose in living here on earth.

36http://www.casiquiacao.blogspot.com , Accessed May 11, 201437http://youtu.be/P5H5NMxWyEc , Accessed May 11 , 2014

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