From First Communion to Ordination

by Pr. Ana Becerra
...on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Over 30 years ago my little brother and I received our First Communion. At that time it was very usual to learn the catechism in about a year—as a Roman Catholic you were required to memorize the confession, Lord's Prayer, 10 commandments, Hail Mary, and Creeds among many other prayers. I remember being so ready and having it all memorized because I couldn't wait to get my First Communion. On the other hand my brother who spent 99% of his time playing soccer did not have the same “urgency” to get his First Communion (despite my frustration my brother took not one or two, but THREE YEARS to get ready).

I remember receiving the blood and body of Christ in my neighborhood church just on the top of the hill in a “brand new” church with wood benches, no air conditioning, no windows or open doors. As we walked, I remember seeing my very pretty dress getting dirty and dusty; my Godmother braided my hair and started to get affected by sweat, yet this overjoyed little girl was so happy to finally be at God’s table.

This Sunday I will be ordained and in the last few weeks I have experienced joy similar to when I received my First Communion. This time my brother has nothing to do with the long process, yet since 2016, when I started to serve as a Mission Developer, I have felt the urgency to get ordained. This Sunday as it was when I was 10, I have so many of you walking with me through the journey that I can literally feel the exhaustion and excitement that I did when I first received the body of Christ.

May the Lord’s blood and body strengthen us to continue walking as the body of Christ.
Amen