In the first reading we hear that, “Melchizedek, king of Salem brought out bread and wine,” for the blessing of Abram. As Christians we see this as a forerunner of the Eucharistic celebration.
Paul in the second reading confirms the importance of the real presence of Christ. While some say this is merely “figurative” or that the mass didn’t exist until centuries later, it is clear Paul takes this to be quite literal and of significance.
In the Gospel we have Jesus feeding the multitude, Jesus continues to feed us with his Body and Blood each week. I remember when speaking of the real presence one person telling me it isn’t possible for Jesus to do that. I said if Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, as we professed last week, are you telling me that God cannot do whatever God chooses to do? The Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is among the earliest teachings of the church and is affirmed today still by the Orthodox and Catholics alike. Some protestant churches even use the similar language even though they do not adhere to the same understanding. Jesus gave himself on the cross and continues to reach out and nourish his disciples with an abundance of grace through the Eucharist.
Countenance of God 