Transfusion
In a small, isolated village town in Northern Italy, there was a man who had suffered for many years from a severe blood disease which required him to receive regular transfusions. As if this wasn’t enough, the man’s blood type was rare. In the small town, however, there was providentially… one suitable donor. The man received transfusions for 25 years… all the while, never knowing from whom the blood came.
I know of this story because on summer break, during my time in Italy before ordination, I spent time in this Parish. The parish priest told me the story when I asked about a man who sat before the Tabernacle every evening… this was the man.
“That’s Simone!” “Lui … è sempre stato cattolico … ma per molti anni non ha capito perché!” He’s always been Catholic… but for many years, He didn’t understand why!”
For years, the man’s condition caused him great discomfort. Every morning, he would trudge to work right past the presbytery, head down, murmuring at the lot he’d received.
His condition was grave, and only the transfusions allowed his life. Each morning, he would pass. “Good morning. Buongiorno Simone!” the priest would greet him. Only to be met by an occasional: “What would you know!?” “Dove e’ Dio!?!” “Where is God?”
This man was broken… looking for signs…
I marvel at this story, though, because it conjures up precisely what unravels in our Gospel on the 18th Sunday or Ordinary Time.
The people demand a sign—proof! When our lives are in these states, how could God possibly be here with us, let alone provide?
Even the whole of Israel began to complain… in hunger, they cried out! “We were better off in slavery in Egypt! At least then we had food – pans of meat and bread till our heart’s content!”
So what did God give the people, quail? Of all things! Very nice. And manna (bread) from heaven. But still, God’s people were unsatisfied!
Then we turn to the Gospel and not much has changed. God’s people were still murmuring, unbelieving, and unsatisfied. The people are looking for Jesus, but not for the reason we first assume.
They say, “Our fathers were given a sign from God the Father to show that He is with them in the desert!” And here again is the question: “What sign will you give us?!” What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do?
Imagine Jesus’ frustration. Why do you constantly look for signs and miracles as proof that God loves and is among you?
“This ‘food’ you seek to satisfy, not your hearts but your curiosity and ego never lasts! You will be hungry and unsatisfied again! Stop looking for the bright lights, the visions and miraculous healings! In fact, in Jesus’ own words: “Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life”
“My Father gives you the true bread from heaven, that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“I am that bread… I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry (promise); he who believes in me will never thirst.’
After some weeks with the priest, I asked. How do you know Simone’s story? He replied: “I’m the match… I give the blood!”
To this day, that man now visits the church daily. One day he came to the priest and confessed: “I know why I am Catholic… the Mass, God’s transfusion… no sign, no bread that fills and leaves me hungry again. But the true bread from heaven!”
In the same way, we can often live like Simone, constantly looking for a sign and not realising that the one who gives us life is right before us.
In this vocations week, I want you to know why you are Catholic. You are fed with the true Bread from Heaven. You are given the life-giving Transfusion of Blood… the Blood of God no less—in the Eucharist—a God who is not satisfied with giving a mere ‘sign’ of Himself but His very self.
Thanks Fr Trenton, It’s a good story with much to ponder.
And I like your question – why am I Catholic? Not a Catholic, but Catholic.
It speaks to me of wise and good people in my life over many decades, experiences of faith and searching, a sense of belonging, a commitment to community, and gratitude for the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
Despite all the challenges, or maybe because of them, it is good to be here!