The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
June 2, 2024 — Year B
Readings: Ex 24:3-8 / Ps 116 / Heb 9:11-15 / Mk 14:12-16, 22-26
by Rev. Nixon Negparanon, Pastor
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, is a profound celebration in the liturgical calendar that invites us to reflect deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist. This feast reminds us of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, a mystery that is central to the Catholic faith. As we contemplate this Solemnity, several key reflections emerge.
At the heart of Corpus Christi is the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This doctrine teaches that in the consecrated elements of bread and wine, Jesus Christ is truly present: body, blood, soul, and divinity. This mystery transcends human understanding, inviting us to approach it with faith and reverence. The Eucharist is not a symbol, but a profound encounter with the living Christ who comes to nourish us and transform us. The Eucharist is a manifestation of Jesus’ immense love and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as a perpetual memorial of His passion, death, and resurrection. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are invited to enter into the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice, to remember His love for us and to respond with our own love and gratitude. The Eucharist is a call to live a life of self-giving love, mirroring the example of Jesus.
The celebration of the Eucharist also underscores the unity of the Church. In receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united not only with Jesus, but also with one another. The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity, drawing us together as the body of Christ. It challenges us to overcome divisions, to live in harmony, and to work for the common good. In a world often marked by fragmentation and discord, the Eucharist calls us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation. As we receive Communion, we are united with Christ and with one another. We become His body, His Church, His presence in the world. We are called to be broken and poured out for others, just as Jesus was.
The second Vatican Council described the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Christian life. This means that all other sacraments and works of the Church are oriented towards the Eucharist, and from it they draw their meaning. The Eucharist is the high point of our spiritual life, where we encounter Christ most intimately. It nourishes us spiritually, strengthens us in our journey of faith, and sends us forth to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.
As we reflect on the Eucharist, let us ask ourselves, do we receive Communion with reverence and gratitude? Do we recognize the presence of Christ in those around us? Do we share our own lives, like the Bread of Life, to nourish others?
There is a story of a young woman who took care of her elderly aunt. The aunt had inherited a fair amount of money from her deceased brother, but never mentioned it to anyone. On her deathbed, she summoned her niece and said, “You have been so good to me, I want to reward you. Take this frayed sweater of mine and wear it until you become rich.” The niece expressed gratitude but was disappointed. She felt her aunt could have at least left her a watch or a ring. She buried the sweater in the bottom drawer of her bureau. The aunt died. A year later, the niece put on the sweater while she did some yard work. She felt something in the sweater pocket. She found a key wrapped in a note. In the box unlocked by the key, she found that her aunt had given her legal title to a fortune of three hundred million dollars.
The moral of the story is that we often miss the treasures that are passed on to us, because we do not take time to look. The application of this story to the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ is the same. We may miss the treasure of the Eucharist, because we do not take the time to look or reflect on this mystery.
Each year, the Church pauses to meditate on the Eucharist itself. Though we celebrate the Eucharist each Lord’s Day, on this day we are drawn to ponder events and teachings about Christ. We may not always pay attention sufficiently to the Sacrament dwelling at the core of our weekly experience.
Finally, the celebration of Corpus Christi is a call to live “Eucharistic-ly.” This means that our lives should reflect the values of the Eucharist: gratitude, self-giving, unity, and love. We are called to be a Eucharistic people, living in constant thanksgiving for the gift of Christ and striving to embody His love in our interactions with others. Our participation in the Eucharist should inspire us to be more Christ-like, to serve those in need, and to build a more just and compassionate world.
The Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ invites us to a deep reflection on the mystery of the Eucharist. It is a celebration that renews our faith, strengthens our unity, and inspires us to live more fully in the love of Christ. As we partake in the Eucharist, let us do so with reverence and gratitude, allowing this profound sacrament to transform us and guide us in our Christian journey.
