We celebrated last Sunday a mystery of faith on the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The celebration is one teaching that could hardly be accepted by those who are indoctrinated in the teachings of non-Catholic sects. Many of those self-proclaimed preachers espouse the idea of cannibalism based on the literal interpretation of the sacred scriptures. Although we take the bible as a good source of divine revelation, we still need to heed the teaching authority of the Catholic Church in terms of understanding the word of God.
The bible itself is very explicit in admonishing us from making private interpretation of it. In our desire to know the will of God, we would better seek counsel from the Church that had been given the authority to teach on matters of faith. Going into individual interpretation is akin to every person imposing his own understanding about the laws of our land without regard to the authority of the Supreme Court. That is a sure prescription to chaos and conflict.
It was Jesus Christ himself who taught us about eating his body and drinking his blood in order to have eternal life. Unless we do so, we cannot share in the grace of salvation and the life everlasting. But many of us would wonder, as the people in Jesus’ times were troubled, how would we be able to partake of that body and blood. It is indeed mind-boggling so we need the explanation and teaching of the Catholic Church on the matter. Surely, the revelation and commandment is not literal. We are taught that the body and blood Jesus Christ was referring to was the very bread and wine that he and his apostles partook during the Last Supper that we commemorate every time we celebrate the holy mass. The bread and wine offered in the Holy Eucharist are transubstantiated into the body and blood of our Lord.
Here is where another distortion is made by false teachers and self-proclaimed non-Catholic preachers. There is no supper in the morning according to the twisted and misguided interpretation of these preachers. Verily, they willfully ignore the fact that the celebration is a commemoration of the event and not of the time. There is simply fixation of time before the Lord. What is morning here is evening elsewhere on earth. Our time of reference is a conventional one for man’s convenience. It does not bind God who is the Lord of mankind for all eternity. It only is incidental that that Last Supper took place during supper time. What is more important is the event where Jesus established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist as His covenant with mankind, wherein he partook with his disciples the bread and wine which He proclaimed as his very body and blood.
It is the greatest gift to us all who believe in Jesus Christ and accept with great faith the mystery of his body and blood. It really requires so much faith for one to believe that the bread and wine offered at Holy Mass are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ upon consecration by the priest. What we see is still bread and wine in its physical form and appearance but it is in substance the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. We are blessed with this divine gift that allows us to share in the body and blood that gives us eternal life. We only need to have a strong faith and live in the belief on the mystery so that we may deserve to share in this great gift of life that is the body and blood of Christ.
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We are what we eat
The title above highlights the fundamental role that our food choices play in shaping our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Essentially, what we consume has a direct impact on our health and overall quality of life. It is no coincidence that nutritious foods are considered as “superfoods,” and they are viewed as components that provide immense health benefits to the body.
The food choices we make not only affect our physical well-being but also impact our cognitive and emotional health. Research shows that inadequate nutrient intake can lead to a decline in cognitive function, mood swings, anxiety, and depression, among other factors. Additionally, consuming unhealthy foods, such as those high in sugar and saturated fats, has been linked with increased rates of depression and anxiety in various research studies.
One critical aspect of nutrition that substantially impacts our health is the presence of different minerals and vitamins in our food. Mineral deficiency diseases, such as anemia and osteoporosis, can be prevented by consuming a balanced diet with adequate mineral content. Similarly, inadequate intake of Vitamin A can result in blindness, while vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins can, therefore, prevent such diseases.
The nutritional content of our food also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In some cases, medical professionals may recommend specialized diets, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, to prevent and manage different health conditions. Such diets emphasize consuming foods rich in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing the intake of unhealthy fats and processed foods.
Eating a balanced diet can go a long way in facilitating and maintaining wellness beyond the physical. Nutrient-dense foods provide energy, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. High-quality proteins, such as those found in lean meats, fish, legumes, and nuts, are critical components that help in the formation of neurotransmitters, which facilitate communication in the brain. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed are essential in the preservation of optimal cognitive function.
Beyond the physical and cognitive benefits, well-balanced nutrition can enhance our overall quality of life. Studies have shown that good dietary behavior patterns are associated with better sleep quality, reduced chronic pain, and an overall better mood. This further emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition as a critical aspect of holistic health and wellness.
What we eat then serves as the foundation for our bodies, minds, and overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet with adequate nutrients has numerous benefits, not just on physical health, but also mental and emotional wellness. As such, it is essential to make informed choices when selecting the food we consume, choosing high-quality proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.