June 18, 2017 — The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
DT 8: 2-3, 14B-16A; PS 147: 12-15, 19-20; 1 COR 10: 16-17; JN 6: 51-58
This has been a month of celebrations for us as Catholics. Today we celebrate the Solemnity (Feast) of Corpus Christi during which we commemorate the great gift of the Eucharist which stands at the heart and life of the mission of the Church. This is not only a time to celebrate this gift to us from Christ, but to consider its meaning and richness both in the life of the Church and in our lives as Catholics.
The celebration of Corpus Christi commemorates the presence of the Body and Blood of Christ, one of the Sacraments of the Eucharist. On Holy Thursday Jesus met the Apostles for the Last Supper, when He said, “This is my Body (indicating the bread) and this is my Blood (designating the wine).” We as Catholics acknowledge the gift of the Eucharist, as this is the food of our souls.
Twelve times during the Last Supper Jesus reminds us that He is the Bread of Life. He is quite definite about this reality. It is He Who gives us eternal life. Every Catholic Mass, not just this one, is both a memorial to Christ’s life, death, and Resurrection, and also a participation in the sacrifice which Christ made on the Cross for us. When we approach to receive communion, we are in reality at the foot of the Cross, adoring, asking forgiveness, and offering ourselves to Christ Who loved us to His death.
Today, and every day when we approach the Eucharist, we need to keep this in mind. We need to receive this incredible gift and then as good stewards we need to share it by being disciples, by sharing the Good News in our lives and how we live them.
