June 23, 2019

We have fasted, prayed and focused on good works during the season of Lent. We celebrated with joy the Resurrection at Easter. With peace and hope journeyed with the Risen Jesus to the Ascension. In the past two weeks we observed Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. This weekend we turn our attention to the Eucharist as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Eucharist is the center and core of the Seven Sacraments. It is the core and hub that binds the other Sacraments together as the spokes on a wheel. We identify the Mass as the Celebration of the Eucharist in which there are two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

At Mass we hear the Word of God. Through ancient Scriptures beginning with the Old Testament we come to know how God interacted with his People the Israelites. We sing the psalms of King David and then listen to the letters and other readings of the New Testament coming to the proclamation of the Gospel with the homily.

Then we present simple gifts of bread and wine, received and offered to God through the Holy Spirit. With the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest leaders the People of God in prayer through the account of the Institution of the Eucharist and prays for the whole church saying, “This is My Body… This is My Blood… Do this in memory of Me.” The Gathered Assembly is invited to receive the Body and Blood of the Risen Jesus Christ in Holy Communion. The true Presence of the Jesus Christ is in Communion. Receiving his Body and Blood we become One with Him and with one another.

It is a mystery and marvelous to behold. It is the core and center of who we are. It is the source of our strength to live a Christian life. And the summit, height to which we are called as followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. The Solemn Feast of Corpus Christi – The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Msgr. Joe