First Holy Communion 2009
May 2009
Now you all know that the Last Supper, the Mass and Holy Communion are three names for the vary same thing. Just like George and Michael and Smith are three names for the very same person; George Michael Smith.
Now imagine Jesus having his Last Supper with his friends. Before they eat he gets a basin of water and a towel and soap. He goes from one to another and taking off their dirty sandals and shoes he washes their dirty smelly feet, drying them with the towel.
When he has finished he joins them at table and says. You call me the boss and so I am. If I, the boss, wash your feet, then you should wash each others feet too.
Then he took bread and breaking it into pieces gave it to each of his friends saying ’take this and eat; this is my body.’
Jesus’ friends received their first Holy Communion.
At the time His friends didn’t make much sense of all this. But later, when they remembered and talked about what Jesus had done they began to understand slowly what it meant.
For the past few months you too have had your feet washed by your teachers. You look a bit puzzled by this. Your teachers - and they are here today - who spent so much time and energy preparing you for today have in fact being doing the equivalent of washing your feet.
During our meal here today (the Mass) I, representing Jesus, will take bread and say to you ‘take this and eat; this is my body.’ You too will receive your first Holy Communion.
Today, like Jesus’ friends, you too will not be able to make much sense of all this.
But, as the years go by and you grow older and wiser, you will remember what happened today and you will think about it and slowly you will begin to understand its meaning.
So from the very beginning the ‘washing of feet’ and receiving Holy Communion are linked together.
Washing of feet is a symbol or sign of being generous, king and helpful towards each other. Receiving Holy Communion is a symbol or sign of being united with Jesus.
So if I want to be united with Jesus I must also be helpful and kind towards others.
And where do I start being helpful and kind towards others?
Yes, at home.