Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): June 22, 2025
Readings: Genesis 14:18–20; Psalm 110:1–4; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Luke 9:11–17
Friendship matters. Without love and care, our life here on earth would be boring. We are not material objects but human beings with flesh and blood. We connect with each other because of our emotions and other personality traits. Friendship is one of the most beautiful and meaningful relationships we can experience. At its heart, friendship is a bond of mutual trust, love, respect, and support between two or more people. It is a relationship that goes beyond obligation — it is freely chosen and joyfully nurtured. After the three great solemnities, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, and the Most Holy Trinity, on this Sunday, we celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is a day to remember Christ's friendship with us. Christ left behind us something very tangible, concrete and special of his friendship with us. We will not be carrying a picture of Jesus, but the power of his remembrance of his Last Supper, the body and blood.
1. Corpus Christi: Do this in memory of me!
What a magnificent feast we celebrate today! On this solemn feast of Corpus Christi, the Church pauses to gaze upon the profound mystery at the heart of our faith — the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is a day to rediscover the sacred gift given to us not as a symbol, but as Christ Himself, truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Corpus Christi is more than a celebration of a sacrament. It is a call to live Eucharistically. That means: To center our lives around the Mass — not as a weekly duty, but as the source and summit of our faith. To become what we receive — to be broken open in love for the world, especially for the hungry, lonely, and forgotten.
Therefore we approach the altar not out of habit, but with deep hunger and reverence, knowing that we receive the living God. St. Paul recounts what he himself received — the institution of the Eucharist (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). These are not merely nostalgic words from a last meal. They are a divine command and a living memorial. The words “Do this in memory of me” invite us not only to remember but to enter into a sacred moment where time folds, and the one sacrifice of Christ becomes truly present at every altar in every Mass.
2. Corpus Christi: Honouring the Memory of Jesus continuously through Eucharist
What is memory in God’s presence? How do we keep the memory of our friend? It is continuous and unstopping. It is not a mere recall. In the Eucharist, we do not just look back at Calvary — we are drawn into it. We are made present to the saving act of Christ’s death and resurrection. Every Sunday, and indeed every day at Mass, this saving mystery becomes available to us — to heal, nourish, and transform.
We go back to the memory of Jesus through the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, Christ becomes our food. But more than feeding our hunger, He becomes our very life. The Eucharist is not an idea to understand, but a gift to receive with faith and awe. St. Augustine beautifully once said: “Be what you see; receive what you are — the Body of Christ.”
3. Corpus Christi: A Call to Eucharistic Living
Luke's Gospel gives us a beautiful miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 people. The miracle of the loaves and fish anticipates the Eucharist. Jesus does not send the hungry crowds away. He commands His disciples: “You give them something to eat.” In that moment, they see only their lack. But Christ, taking what little they have, blesses, breaks, and multiplies — until all are satisfied.
Is this not what happens at every Eucharist? We come with our smallness, our doubts, our brokenness. And Christ, through the hands of the priest, takes bread and wine, blesses, breaks, and gives it — and in doing so, feeds the whole Church with Himself. He feeds us not with mere bread, but with divine life. This Gospel reminds us that Christ not only desires to feed us, but to make us Eucharist for others. Having received Him, we are sent to be broken and shared for the world — to be people who nourish, heal, and give life.
Reflection Questions
- Do I truly believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity?
- How can I prepare my heart more deeply for receiving Communion each Sunday?
- In what ways is Jesus calling me to be “Eucharist” — to give of myself for others in love?
- How does participating in Sunday Mass shape the rest of my week?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the gift of the Eucharist, You give Yourself entirely to us. You feed our deepest hunger and draw us into Your saving mystery. May we never take this gift for granted. Help us to approach every Mass with gratitude, reverence, and love. Let the Bread of Life transform us into Your living Body, so that we may bring Your presence to the world. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
19 June 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment