Friends, the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which the Church celebrates today reminds us all of the wonderful gift of God to us through Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. While the primary focus of this solemnity is on the spiritual nourishment that Christ gives us, its secondary focus is on the Body of Christ which is the Church. The Body and Blood of Christ (the Eucharist), is the most excellent gift ever given to us by Christ. It also shows how much God loves and cares for both our temporal and spiritual welfare. Therefore, what we celebrate today is the sacramental presence of Christ in his Church. The readings of today, remind us of Christ’s love and how he offers himself to unite us with God and with one another. Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us to see your love in every Mass and to live as your faithful followers. Teach us to trust in you and to share your blessings with others. Strengthen our faith and guide us closer to you each day.
Friends, today, all the readings touched on one issue giving or offering something. The first reading from Genesis tells us that; “Abram offered Melchizedek a tithe of everything.” He did not give it to receive something in return. Rather, he did it out of his own free will. Of course, Melchizedek blessed him and offered thanks to God on his behalf with bread and wine. These were offerings of one’s self in the form of material items. In fact, Abram is a specialist in self-donation (cf. Gen 22:1-18). This act points to Jesus, who is the eternal priest. Jesus continues this priesthood in the Eucharist, offering himself to the Father for our salvation. Brothers and sisters, the role of a priest is to mediate between God and humanity. Melchizedek’s offering reminds us of the sacred role of Jesus as the one who connects us to God. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives us his Body and Blood, making his priesthood present to us in every Mass. Jesus, our eternal priest, sacrifices himself out of love. We are invited to respond with faith and gratitude, knowing that he is always with us through the Eucharist.
Friends, in the gospel, Jesus says to Andrew and his colleagues; “Give them something to eat” Brothers and sisters, today also, Christ is asking us to offer something. For us who have been fed with the Body and Blood of Christ, we are not being asked to give what we do not have. Although, we live in a “highly religious world”, there are many who are yet to be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ. When we draw them closer to Christ, we bring them to the banquet table of Christ who feeds and nourishes them with His body and blood. Therefore, we must be hospitable enough to help the weak, the spiritually hungry, and the thirsty to participate in the great feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. What Christ offers us is His real body and blood, real food and real drink which is the mystery and core of our faith. In the Holy Eucharist, Christ draws us closer to Himself. Christ is present with us in the Holy Eucharist as the head of the Church.
Friends, the story of the feeding of the crowd reminds us of God’s abundant love. Jesus takes what little food the disciples have and multiplies it to feed thousands. This points to the Eucharist, where God provides for the deepest needs of our souls. The Eucharist shows us how much God cares for us. It is a reminder that his love is never limited and that he always wants to share his blessings with us. Like the crowd in the Gospel, we are called to trust in God’s care and turn to him in faith. The Eucharist invites us to deepen our faith and live in love and service. The solemnity of Corpus Christi, helps us focus on the ways Jesus strengthens us through the gift of his Body and Blood. Let us open our hearts to receive this gift with gratitude and share his love with others. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a Joyful celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ Sunday and a fruitful new week to you.
By: Fr. Ben Chola Mccj
