The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Jesus tells us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; and whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jesus gives himself to us so we can live forever with him, and he wants us to go out and share him with the world. Each time we come to Mass, we have the opportunity to receive Christ in the Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. For us, it is not just a symbol. We believe he is truly present when we receive him in the Eucharist.
The word Eucharist comes from the Greek eucharistein, which means "to give thanks" or "to give thanks," and refers to the act of giving thanks to God. (CCC 1328) We thank him for everything he has done for us out of the love he has for us, especially for giving us his only son, who suffered and died for us. It is Christ’s sacrifice that we participate in at Mass, and as members of the Body of Christ, we come together as one body to give him thanks and praise. We also enjoy being in his presence as we listen to his word and receive him in the Eucharist.
Our duty as Christians isn't over once we have received our spiritual nourishment or when Mass ends, and we exit the church. As members of the Body of Christ, we are told that we must now share what we have received with the world. Christ wants us to go out and share him with others. He tells us to go out into the world and show others the same love and mercy that he has shown us, not only through our words but by how we live our lives.
May we come to Christ in reverence and thanksgiving each time we receive him in the Eucharist and remember how much he has done for us because he loves us.
Your brother in Christ,
Deacon Manny
