Melchizedek brought out bread and wine. Genesis 14:18-20

Gathered at the eucharist we bring our prayers to God. We each have our own needs. Friends are sick. Neighbors are losing their home. Kids need work. The goldfish died. We bring these prayers to church because they remind us of our need and they raise our hopes in the power of God.

We have those hopes because God has rescued us time and time again. Our relationship with God has produced fruitfulness, satisfied our longings and brought us peace. Because of God’s faithfulness, we give thanks, offer sacrifice and once again present our needs.

Melchizedek is a mysterious figure from the book of Genesis who prays as we do. King of Jerusalem, priest of God Most High, he blesses Abram, whose armies have just won a victory. Melchizedek brought out bread and wine, and Abram offered him a tenth of his possessions.

The entire scene foreshadows are celebration of the eucharist. God has rescued us from death. Jesus reigns as our king and priest. The community offers bread and wine. We each offer a tenth of what we own. When we worship at Mass, we imitate the pattern of our ancestors’ worship. Every generation has the same needs. We present them to the same God, who works the same wonders in our midst.

Written by Paul Turner. Liturgy Training Publications
Copyright 2003, Archdiocese of Chicago