Ex 24:3-8
Heb 9:11-15
Mk 14:12-16, 22-26

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. At one time, this day was called Corpus Christi, Latin for “the Body of Christ.” In the most recent revision of the liturgy, the name for this day is expanded to be a more complete reflection of our Eucharistic theology. This is the feast that highlights the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” 

Gratitude and Thanksgiving are words closely connected to our ability to deepen our awareness, not only of what the word Eucharist means, but the very nature of our response to our participation in this mystery of faith. The grace we receive from this Sacrament is yet another reason for our gratitude. As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we become what we receive, going forth from Mass to deepen our commitment as a disciple of Christ.

The Eucharist is a clear offering of love from God given to us. There is nothing we can do to earn this love. It is freely given. We have to ask ourselves if we respond to God’s free and loving gift given to us. Do we believe that we take Jesus with us when we leave each liturgy? Do we recognize our responsibility to be the presence of Jesus to every person we meet? Attending mass is not the most important part of Sunday. Rather, it is consciously being there and participating in the gift of the Eucharist, and then living in such a way that we bring the reality of Jesus to others.

Our relationship with Jesus is not accidental, but rather, it is the ultimate gift of love given for our salvation. We rejoice and are thankful for this feast and reality. We thank God for the everlasting and unconditional love given to us. 

Have we appreciated enough this gift of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist by receiving it at Holy Mass? 

Do we really believe Christ’s words: “The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood will have eternal life?