Show Me A Sign

A Reflection on the First Reading for Sunday, June 22nd, 2025:
Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

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Genesis
14.18-20

​In those days: After Abram’s return King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed Abram and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him one tenth of everything.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Church offers us this recollection of what we believe in the Eucharist: that the bread and wine become the flesh and blood of Jesus; not simply a symbol, but the flesh and blood of Jesus. It is often difficult to understand the how and why of this sacrament, of this gift God gives us. There is a lot of language used to explain it all, but ultimately, the gift of faith and the truth of scripture tell me that this one miracle occurs at every Mass!  

The first reading speaks of a king who brings bread and wine to Abram (who will become Abraham). As is so common in the Old Testament, this scripture is a foretelling of the New Testament, particularly, Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. We are introduced to the king of Salem (translated, he is the king of “peace”) Mechizedek. We know very little about this king but what we see is Abram showing great reverence to him with a gift of one-tenth of everything from Abram’s spoils of battle. We see this king giving a blessing to Abram.

So, how does our first reading connect to the solemnity we celebrate today? Two thousand years before Jesus was born, God began to slowly reveal His plan of salvation. It is not hard to see the similarities between the King of Peace and our Saviour Jesus. We see the bread and wine and the blessing given.

As I read this scripture and meditate with it, I am struck by the fact that God gave Abram a sign and it was 2000 years before it was fulfilled! I get so impatient when God makes me wait a day or week or month or year(s). So, why do I get frustrated when God’s timing and mine are different? For me, it is because I do not always trust Him. I ask for a sign and I do not trust Him enough to give it; I do not trust myself to see it! 

In reality, the only sign I need has been given: the cross! That is the sign of God’s love, mercy, healing, salvation, defeat of death, and care for me. What more do I need? 

Why do I seek more signs? Why do I continue to ask God for signs and then ignore them? Because I lack faith; I do not trust! Why? Because I am a sinner! The good news is that in the midst of my sinfulness (not in spite of it) God NEVER ceases to love me, care for me, forgive me, guide me, and protect me. 

This Sunday, we will pay particular attention to the sign of His love. God gave us His Son and every time I go to Mass, that Son, Jesus, freely gives Himself to me in the Eucharist. He does not ask for a sign that I love Him; a sign that I am worthy; a sign that I will do better; a sign that I will donate more to the Church. He simply gives Himself; and by the grace poured out on each of us at baptism, we are able to freely give ourselves to Him in return! 

He is the sign! 

Let us pray: Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief! 


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Sr. Teresa MacDonald

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