Father Jim's homily delves into the profound nature of grief and memory through the poignant story of Stuart Diver, a man deeply acquainted with loss. Stuart, the sole survivor of the 1997 Thredbo Landslide which claimed 18 lives including his wife Sally, navigated the tumultuous waters of grief with remarkable resilience. This experience prepared him for the future loss of his second wife, Rosanna, to cancer. Together, they embarked on a journey of creating lasting memories, a testament to their love and foresight, crafting a legacy for their daughter, Alesia, to cherish.
Drawing a parallel between Stuart's preparation for loss and Jesus' actions on the night of the Last Supper, Father Jim highlights how Jesus, too, aimed to create enduring memories and impart lasting gifts to his disciples. Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet, a radical act of servitude, and the institution of the Eucharist were powerful gestures meant to underscore the essence of his teachings: service, sacrifice, and the promise of his enduring presence.
The washing of the feet served as a tangible lesson in humility and service, overturning societal hierarchies and exemplifying Jesus' call to serve rather than be served. This act became a memory for the disciples to draw strength and inspiration from, a reminder of Jesus' profound love and humility.
The Eucharist, on the other hand, offered an even deeper connection. By declaring the bread as his body and the wine as his blood, Jesus prepared his disciples for the impending sacrifice on the cross. Although they could not fully comprehend the significance of this moment, the subsequent events of Jesus' passion and resurrection imbued the Eucharist with profound meaning, transforming it into a living memory of Jesus' sacrifice and a mechanism for experiencing his presence.
Father Jim emphasizes that the Eucharist continues to serve as a 'treasure chest,' akin to the chest of memories and gifts left by Rosanna for Alesia. It stands as a testament to Jesus' lasting presence in the lives of believers, a source of comfort, strength, and connection to the divine. Through the Eucharist, Christians across generations have been able to experience Jesus as tangibly present among them, continuing the tradition set forth on that Last Supper.
In conclusion, Father Jim's homily invites reflection on the power of memories and traditions in sustaining faith and fostering a deep, personal connection with Jesus. It encourages believers to cherish the Eucharist as a precious gift, a means of grace that allows Jesus to be alive and present in the midst of his people, bridging the gap between past sacrifice and present reality.
Select 2 or 3 of the following questions to reflect on
How does the story of Stuart Diver illustrate the concept of creating lasting memories in the face of loss?
What significance does Jesus washing the disciples' feet have in the context of service and humility?
How does the Eucharist serve as a 'treasure chest' of memories and presence for believers?
In what ways did Jesus prepare his disciples for his absence through the actions of the Last Supper?
How can believers today draw strength and inspiration from the memories and traditions established by Jesus?
What parallels can be drawn between the deliberate creation of memories by Stuart Diver and Jesus' actions at the Last Supper?
How does the homily suggest believers can experience Jesus' presence in their lives through the Eucharist?
Song - Nothing Else + The Heart of Worship
Final Prayer
Loving Father, as we reflect on the profound lessons of service and eternal presence taught by Your Son at the Last Supper, we are reminded of the power of sacred memories and the enduring gift of the Eucharist. Grant us the grace to cherish these divine moments, to emulate Christ's humility and love in our own lives, and to find solace in the knowledge that through the Eucharist, He remains ever-present with us. May our hearts always treasure these gifts, drawing strength and inspiration from them as we navigate the journey of faith. Amen.
