Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
‘Christian faith is either an encounter with Him alive, or it does not exist.’ Desiderio Desideravi Apostolic Letter on the Liturgical Formation of the People of God. Pope Francis 2022
‘As they were eating, he took bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it, gave it to them and said ‘Take it this is my body.’ Mk 14:22-23
Why does Jesus give himself to us as food and drink?
Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because he loves us. By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (Jn 6:56). In being united to the humanity of Christ, we are at the same time united to his divinity. Our mortal and corruptible natures are transformed by being joined to the source of life. (USCCB)
The feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated to heighten our awareness of the gift of the Eucharist. Every Mass is a participation in and celebration of the sacrifice of Christ. When we process toward the altar to receive Communion, in reality it is Christ who comes toward us to assimilate us in him. Receiving the Eucharist means letting oneself be transformed by what is received. “We become what we receive.” Pope Francis.
In Desiderio Desideravi #10 Pope Francis is clear:
‘Christian faith is either an encounter with Him alive, or it does not exist.’
Readings
Ex 24:3-8: This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you.
Ps 115:12-13, 15-18: R. I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.
Heb 9:11-15: The blood of Christ will purify our inner selves.
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living bread from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. Alleluia!
Mk 14:12-16, 22-26: This is my body. This is my blood.
Let the love of Christ course through our lives & heal us.
Reflections on the Readings
During the week leading up to 2 June listen to a 30-minute conversation about the scriptures for Sunday at this link.
A reflection on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi from Fr Antony Kadavil in the Vatican HERE
Prayer of the Faithful suggestions
E te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai rā kia mātou.
For the Church: that through our sharing in the Eucharist, we may be transformed more and more into the Body of Christ.
E te Ariki …
For Christian unity: that Christ’s Body and Blood given for us may heal all the divisions within the Christian community and extending Christ’s work and compassion into our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces each day.
E te Ariki …
For our parish community: Jesus, you are the blessed one who was taken, broken and given. We are invited to share your table that we may be broken of our selfishness and become a gift to others in your name.
E te Ariki …
For all Eucharistic ministers particularly those who minister to the sick and homebound: that they may grow in faith through their service and be signs of God’s love, healing, and presence to others.
E te Ariki …
Music suggestions
Eat this bread, drink this cup. Taizé song
Table of plenty - Dan Schutte
One bread one body - John Foley
I am the bread of life - Suzanne Toolin
Taste and see - Hurd
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
Love is His Word - Anthony Milner
Panis Angelicus (Bread of angels)
O bread of heaven - St Alphonsus
