What’s the Flavour of Your Life?

What’s the Flavour of Your Life? Worldly or Christ-Flavoured?

Today during the Holy Mass, the priest asked the children, "Which is your favourite ice cream flavour?" The children eagerly responded with flavours like chocolate, blueberry, and vanilla. Then he turned to all of us and asked, "What is the flavour of your life?" This question, simple yet profound, wasn’t about ice cream; it was about the essence of our lives. Are we flavouring our lives with genuine love for Christ and being like him, or are we merely presenting a sweet exterior while hiding something less savoury within?

In today’s Gospel from Mark 7, Jesus is asked why His disciples don’t follow the tradition of washing hands before eating. Jesus responds by quoting Isaiah, "These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Mark 7:6). He confronts them for focusing on external rituals rather than the purity of the heart. Jesus teaches that it’s not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes out from within. The “flavour” of our lives is defined by what we carry in our hearts and how we live our faith in our daily life.

Christ Flavoured

When a Catholic receives Holy Communion during the Holy Mass, they are engaging in the most intimate encounter with Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is not just a symbol; it is the real presence of Jesus - His Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity - entering into the believer. This profound mystery of faith means that Christ Himself dwells within us, filling us with His love and grace.

Given this, how can anyone who truly experiences this divine love not strive to be like Christ? Receiving Communion is about becoming one with Jesus, allowing His presence to transform us, and to let His love flow through us in our thoughts, words, and actions. As St. Augustine said, "If you receive the Eucharist well, you are what you eat." In receiving the Eucharist, we are called to become "Christ-flavoured", living reflections of His love and mercy.

We are human, and our faith can sometimes waver, making our "Christ Flavour" feel inadequate. When this happens, it’s important to turn to Him. Like the father in Mark 9:24 who said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" we too should continually ask Jesus to strengthen our faith and deepen our "flavour" of Christ. By seeking His help, our lives can truly reflect the essence of being "Christ-flavoured."

Swim Against the Tide

Pope Francis, during World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, shared a powerful message with 12 young people invited for a luncheon, a group I was blessed to be part of. He reminded us that as Christians, we are called to "swim against the tide" and to follow Christ, even when it means facing hardships and challenges. This call to go against the current of the world requires courage and faith, especially in a society that often promotes values contrary to the teachings of Christ. He assured us that, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these challenges and embody the true "flavour" of Christ in our lives.

Let’s reflect on the flavour of our lives. Are we just going through the motions, or are we truly striving to be Christ-like in all we do? Let’s pray for the strength to live authentically, to swim against the tide, and to reflect the love of Christ in every aspect of our lives. The Holy Spirit, the helper, who dwells within us, provides the strength and guidance needed to overcome these challenges, and live out our faith authentically, showing the true "flavour" of Christ in our lives.