Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 06-02-13, SOL, Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 06-02-13 | Revised New American Bible

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

JESUS CHRIST, THE  BREAD OF LIFE [1] 

God has made His presence and power available to us in many different ways. At baptism, God comes to dwell in our hearts through His Holy Spirit. As we grow and learn to yield to the Spirit, our experience of God and His presence grows and deepens as well. We begin to hear Him speak to us in scripture. We taste His presence when we gather with other Christians. We meet Him as we care for the poor and needy around us. 

In addition to these ways, scripture speaks of yet another avenue, and extraordinary way in which Jesus can transform us with His presence – His body and blood in the Eucharist. In our present notes, we look at the life that is available to us in the Eucharist and reflect on the attitude of heart that can open us up to all the blessings God wants to pour out through this sacrament. 

Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist is prefigured in the story of God feeding the Israelites with manna in the desert (Exodus 16-20). As they traveled day after day through the Sinai desert on their way to the promised land, many of the Israelites began to feel that their journey was a curse from God. They blamed Moses for leading them into such desolation: “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:3 RSV). How quickly they forgot that they had been slaves in Egypt, robbed of dignity and oppressed with hard labor. They even lost sight of the fact that Pharaoh had ordered the murder of their children in an effort to control their numbers (Exodus 1:11-16). 

I

n the midst of these challenges, the journey in the desert was, in fact, a time of great blessing for the Israelites. God revealed His presence to them on Mount Sinai – something that no other nation had experienced (Exodus 19:16-25; Psalm 147:19-20). God was continually with them, guiding them with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 40:36-38). Scripture tells us that even the smallest details were cared for: Their shoes and clothing did not wear out during their entire forty-year journey (Deuteronomy 29:5). When they cried out in thirst, God gave them water from a rock (Exodus 17:5-8). When they were hungry, He fed them with manna and quail (Exodus 16:13-15). God always heard their prayers and cared for them, even as He sought to form them as His covenanted people. 

Of all these signs, the miracle of the manna especially showed God’s love for His people – His desire to provide for them every day of their lives. Every morning, God sent the Israelites only enough manna to last one day (Exodus 16:16-19). He did not want them to collect more than a day’s needs, and when some tried to store some away for the next day, it became wormy and spoiled (Exodus 16:20). God was displeased by this, because His people were trying to find a way to avoid having to depend on Him on a continuing basis. They did not trust Him to be faithful to His promise to care for their needs, but He wanted to be their sole support. [to be continued] 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

JESUS CHRIST, THE BREAD OF LIFE [2] 

This story of the manna in the desert provides the background for the section of John’s Gospel that describes Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:1-7). The day after Jesus had multiplied the loaves and fishes, that the same crowd that had witnessed this miracle went looking for Jesus (John 6:22-24). When they found Him, Jesus told them: “Do not labor for the food which perishes but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you” (John 6:27 RSV). Knowing that the crowd was caught was caught up with the “perishable” – the bread and the miracles that Jesus was performing – Jesus sought to turn their eyes toward the “imperishable” – the mercy of God and His loving presence (see Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 547-549). 

The people, struggling to understand Jesus’ words, asked Him: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” (John 6:28). Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29). Jesus was interested in something deeper than signs and wonders; He wanted their trust and faith. Faith seeks God’s presence. Those with faith place their lives in Jesus’ hands every day, expecting to experience something more than their eyes can see. 

This is the kind of faith that can experience Jesus in the Eucharist. Both in the Eucharist and in everyday life, Jesus wants to be the source of our strength and wisdom, our hope and our courage. Every day, He wants to guide us and provide for us, just as He did for the Israelites in the desert.
Every day, He longs for us to turn to Him and receive Him – Jesus, the bread of life – into our hearts. 

Jesus’ listeners began to murmur and grumble at His words, just as the Israelites did in the desert. His invitation to them to receive the bread of life distressed them and challenged their faith, to the point that most of them walked away (John 6:66; CCC, 1336). Yet the twelve – Jesus’ closest disciples – stayed with Him. Peter told Jesus: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Their hearts had been touched; they knew that only Jesus could provide for their needs. They recognized that Jesus was the true bread of life, and they wanted to be fed by Him every day. [to be continued] 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

JESUS CHRIST, THE BREAD OF LIFE [3] 

From the earliest days of His life on the earth, it was recognized that Jesus would be “a sign that is spoken against” (Luke 2:34), someone who would not be easily accepted. Many people heard Jesus teach and saw Him perform miracles. News of His power swept through Galilee and Judea, and He began to attract large crowds (Mark 1:32; John 12:12-18). Some – like Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) and Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) – were transformed when they met Jesus. Some – like Peter (Luke 5:2-8) and the sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50) – were brought to their knees in repentance and worship. Still others heard Jesus and walked away, their lives hardly changed at all (John 6:60-65). How Jesus suffered over those who could not understand that God was reaching out from heaven to touch them (Matthew 23:37-39)! 

At the last supper, Jesus told His disciples: “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). His heart burned with such love that He continued resolutely toward Calvary, even though He knew what awarded Him. Jesus considered the cross a worthy price to pay if it meant rescuing us from sin and reuniting us with our Father. 

Even today, Jesus’ heart continues to burn with desire for us. As we receive the body and blood of Jesus in the Eucharist, God’s burning love is made available to us, just as it was made available to Peter and the others. Jesus wants to heal and transform us, to fill us with His presence. Yet, it is possible that we too could come into His presence and still walk away unchanged. 

Jesus’ invitation to eat His body and drink His blood should shake us up and challenge us. John’s account gives two options as we come to receive the Eucharist. We can receive Jesus’ presence and pray like Peter: “You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69), or we can walk away unchanged (John 6:60). As we come to the table of the Lord, let us fix our eyes and hearts on Jesus. As we are united with Him in a living and humble faith, He has promised that we will never hunger or thirst. Just as He fed the Israelites and took care of their every need, the Father Himself will care for us as we place our lives in His hands. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, we welcome You deeper into our hearts. Enable us to open our hearts to Jesus as He comes to us in the Eucharist. Fill us with Your love and Your power so that we may be a pleasing dwelling place for the Lord. Spirit of God, create in us a longing for Jesus’ table that He longed to share with us. Amen. 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

THE PRESENCE OF GOD [1]

The most necessary practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God, that is to take delight in and become accustomed to His divine company, speaking humbly and talking lovingly with Him at all times, at every moment without rule or system and especially in times of temptations, suffering, spiritual aridity, disgust and even of unfaithfulness and sin. 

God is present to us in many ways – in the beauty of creation, in those around us, in our own hearts, and in His Church. And yet, at the same time, we can often feel as if we are not touch with Him. The whole thought of experiencing God can seem mysterious and even contradictory to us. How can we love a God who is so far above us that we cannot see Him or touch Him? The good news is that God is a Person who wants us to know Him. So much did He want us to be with Him that He gave us His only Son so that we could be reconciled to Him and share our lives with Him (see John 3:16). In Christ, our sin has been forgiven, and through the outpouring of His Spirit, we can now know God as a loving, faithful Father. 

In this article, we explore some of the ways God comes to meet us in our day-to-day lives. By the power of the Holy Spirit, He lives within us. He speaks His words of life to us in scripture, and we know His presence when we gather with other Christians (Matthew 18:20). In a special way, he invites us to see Him in the poor and outcast (Matthew 25:31-46). In all these ways, we have wonderful opportunities to experience the mercy and power of our God. 

As we meet the Lord in these ways, our hearts will slowly changed by His love. We will find ourselves growing closer to God, more confident in His love for us. We will be moved to share that love with others. We will find ourselves praying “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20) more frequently and with more hope and expectation. Whenever you see these things happening in you, be encouraged: God is at work in you, fulfilling His promises and making His presence known to you more deeply. 

God pours out His Spirit in order to fill us with the presence and power of Jesus. Saint Paul wrote: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit is inside each of us. He wants to unite us to Jesus, making each and every one of us a beloved child of God (Romans 8:15-16; CCC, 684). Let us pray to the Holy Spirit; ask Him to reveal Jesus to us. We can ask Him to make Jesus so real to us that we can confidently say we know Jesus Christ (see John 17:3). 

Every day, we face ups and downs, and God invites us to offer every situation, every moment, even every failure, to Him. Talk to Him as you go about your day. Tell Him about your thoughts, feelings, and desires, your responsibilities and temptations. Never forget how much God loves you; as Him to be with you and to reassure you of His love, especially in times of difficulty. He is in your heart right now, a generous Father inviting you to know His presence. Never be ashamed to come to Him; He is never ashamed of you (Hebrews 2:11). He offered up His Son to bring you into His presence. He is always ready to strengthen and encourage you as you turn to Him. [to be continued] 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

THE PRESENCE OF GOD [2] 

Imagine what it must have been like for the two disciples on the road to Emmaus when Jesus – unrecognizable though He was – explained the scriptures to them (Luke 24:27-33). As they walked along with Jesus and listened to Him, their hearts began to burn within them. The tragedy of Jesus’ crucifixion had left them desolate, feeling abandoned and without hope. But now, as Jesus opened God’s word for them, their sadness and confusion gave way to great joy and expectation. They were not abandoned after all. Everything they thought had been lost was now restored – and with even greater promise. God was true to His word. He could be trusted. 

God wants us to treasure His word because the Holy Spirit is present in scripture in a special way, unveiling the truth about who God is and who we are in Him. Whenever we read scripture with open hearts we can experience Jesus’ presence and receive the wisdom and direction we need for our daily lives. Just like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, our hearts too can burn with love and hope as we ask Jesus to explain His words to us: “In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet His children, and talks with them” (Vatican Council II, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, 21). 

Picture how exciting the conversation between Mary and Elizabeth must have been at the time of the visitation (Luke 1:39-56). How thrilled they must have been as they shared about the angel’s messages and the wonderful ways God was at work. Try to imagine the Holy Spirit present with them, rejoicing in their faith and filling them with joy – even moving Elizabeth’s child John to leap in the womb. 

Jesus told His disciples: “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Whenever you are with a fellow believer, you have an immediate opportunity to know God’s presence more powerfully. What a blessing it is to talk about scripture, the challenges of living as a Christian in the world, or the dramatic ways God is moving in our times! It is always encouraging to see the Lord working in other people’s lives, whether it be in dramatic ways such as healings or conversions, or in the everyday experiences of life. Even when we are just enjoying one another’s company and not sharing specifically about the Lord. God is still present, watching over us and blessing us. 

In a special way, families can come together in Jesus’ name to pray and share their lives. Think about the conversations that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had at meals, or in their times of prayer together. Pray together as a family, thanking God for His love, for the beauty of the world around you, and for His plan your lives. Ask forgiveness of one another and freely forgive each other: Pray for your friends, for your relatives, and for the needy. Tell Jesus that you love Him; invite Him to join you at meals and in your time together. 

“… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Have you ever noticed how easy it is for children to show compassion and help the poor – how simple-hearted and generous they can be? Jesus wants to form a child-like heart in us as well, a heart that recognizes His presence in even the most unloved and outcast of people. He wants us to see the great privilege it is to be able to let Christ, who lives in us, reach out to love these – our precious sisters and brothers. Jesus has mad us all ministers of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15). His love can flow through us to others – even to total strangers – as we learn to practice His presence.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta has repeatedly remarked that the greatest poverty in the Western world is not a poverty of food, but a poverty of love. People are starving for love, even in our own homes. Today, seek to love those whom God puts on your heart. The next time you see a homeless person or someone you know is lonely, recognize Christ and share the love of God with her/him through your generosity and through things as simple as a smile and some kind words. Remember Jesus’ promise: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). 

This month, as God pours out His Spirit in a powerful way, resolve to try to seek Jesus in every situation and every moment. He is in you; He will never leave you, Jesus promised to be with you until the end of time (Matthew 28:20). Every hour can be filled with His presence. All we have to do is continue to practice being with Him. Remember that this is a learning process, and that God is a patient teacher. We are in the school of Christ every day, and all the lessons work together to produce in us a deeper awareness of God’s presence. We can all talk encouragement from the words of scripture: “I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

THE SACRIFICE OF HIS BODY AND BLOOD ON THE CROSS 

Have you ever felt really bad about something you said or did? Perhaps it was an unkind word to a friend that later left you feeling guilty or ashamed. Or maybe an ongoing struggle with temptation leaves you frustrated and causes you to doubt God’s love and provision for you. We all struggle with our less-than-perfect human natures. 

Until Jesus came to us, there was only so much we could do to atone for our sins. We could never really atone for original sin, and we could never overcome the drives of the fallen nature within us. But with Jesus came the inauguration of a new covenant: freedom from sin and death through the sacrifice of His body and blood on the cross. We are now heirs of the Kingdom! 

Just as Jesus died to usher in the new covenant for us, now He calls us to embrace His death so that we can receive the fruit of the new covenant in our lives. This begins at baptism, when we are buried and rise with Jesus (Romans 6:4), but it deepens day after day as we hold ourselves crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). When we say, “Amen” to the body and blood of Christ at Mass, we are agreeing with the truth that only in death do we find life, that resurrection comes only through the cross. 

Do you want to honor Jesus today? Then let His Spirit flood you with love to such a degree that you are burned with a desire to die to sin and embrace new life in Christ. Let the Holy Spirit empower you to walk in union with Jesus, the LOVER of your soul. Take up the one loaf and the one cup knowing that you are a chosen and precious gift of God. Let Him form His life in you that you may become a light to the world! 

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, let us thank Jesus Christ – our Lord and Savior – for giving up His body and blood for us. Let us dedicate ourselves to Him and accept His plan for our lives. Let His light shine in us and throughout the world today and always. “O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures for ever” (Psalms 136:26). 

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

[Salvation]

THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS STILL HAS THE POWER

(A biblical reflection on the Solemnity of THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST –  Sunday, 2^nd of June 2013) 

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11-17 

First Reading: Gen 14:18-20; Psalms: Ps 110:1-4, Second Reading: 1Cor 11:23-26 

The Scripture Text

When the crowds learned it, they followed Him; and He welcomed them and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, to go into the villages and country round about, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a lonely place.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish – unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, “make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.” And they did so, and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fist he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over, twelve baskets of broken pieces. (Lk 9:11-17 RSV) 

Corpus Christi Sunday is a day when we celebrate Jesus’ goodness in feeding us through the Eucharist. In recounting the feeding of the 5,000 (at least), Luke tells how Jesus had intended to withdraw with His apostles for rest, but instead welcomed the throng that crowded around Him. Like a gentle shepherd, He tended to the sick, taught them about the Kingdom, and miraculously provided them with food. He ministered to them until everyone was satisfied (Lk 9:17).

As he wrote to the troubled church in Corinth, Saint Paul explained that Jesus is still able to care for his people: “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1Cor 11:26). Every time we read the scriptures, we can be refreshed. Every time we pray, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ sacrifice – which we recall at every Mass – still has the power to wash away our sins and fill us with divine life.

The bread and wine transformed into Jesus’ body and blood can truly sustain us as we approach His altar with humble hearts. At the same time, whenever we eat and drink, we also look for the day when Jesus will come again. Then, He Himself will feed us directly, no longer through word and sacrament. “… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4).

In the Holy Mass, let us eat and drink of Jesus with grateful hearts. It is HE who feeds us. It is HE who can meet all our physical and spiritual needs. Let us look for the day when Jesus will be with us. As Christians, all of our hope is centered on it.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, in Your words, we find truth. In Your wounds, we find life. In Your precious blood, we find the power to draw near to You. In Your death, we find life. In Your resurrection, we find hope for eternal life. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

LUKE AND BREAD

 (A biblical reflection on the Solemnity of THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST –  Sunday, 2^nd of June 2013) 

First Reading: Gen 14:18-20; Psalms: Ps 110:1-4, Second Reading: 1Cor 11:23-26; Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11-17 

The story of how Jesus fed the multitude, as told by Luke, prefigures the ministry of the apostles in the Christian community. The actions of Jesus in taking, blessing, breaking and distributing the food would become the Eucharistic actions. The work of the apostles was foreshadowed when Jesus told them, “Give them something to eat yourselves.”

Bread is surely the most relevant symbol of hope for a world in which half the population suffer from shortage of food. Little wonder that Jesus should choose bread as the memorial sign of His presence and care in the world.

Although in our western society doctors more often ask patients to cut back on their intake of food and drink, Luke, the physician, is fascinated by food.
Every chapter of his gospel has mention of food and eating. It has been remarked that Luke presents Jesus either going to a table, at a table, or coming from a table. Robert J. Karris, in his book, Luke: Artist and Theologian, (Paulist Press), has a fascinating chapter on the theme of food.

The conception of Jesus in celebrated in the canticle of Mary as God filling the starving with good things. Then Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means the house of bread. His first cot was a feeding trough borrowed from animals.

Before commencing His public ministry He fasted for forty days. In fasting, He manifested His solidarity with the hungry of the world. He relied absolutely on the providence of the Father rather turn stones into bread. He responded to the tempter’s first attack that man does not live on bread alone. Thus He recognized the value of fasting in giving priority to the leading of the Spirit over the demands of the flesh. Later, however, Jesus was very critical of those who abused fasting as a way of winning the esteem of others.

There were meals of celebration, as in the house of Levi, and at the return of the prodigal son. And there were meals to relax with friends, as with Martha and Mary. There are several references to meals on the Sabbath, the day of rest.

Jesus was the guest who brought to the table more than He received. At various tables He brought pardon to the sinful woman, friendship to Zacchaeus and faith to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Much of His teaching was imparted at meals. There He drew attention to the foolish pride of those who vied for the places of honor at table. He taught that our tables should be anticipations of the final messianic banquet with special consideration being given to the beloved poor of God. Lazarus, the beggar at the gate, is the personification of God’s beloved poor.

Jesus told a story about God as the master who dons the apron to serve the faithful servant. And at the last supper Jesus moved among the apostles as one who serves.

The behavior of Jesus at table so challenged the accepted pious traditions that He drew condemnation upon His head. He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. There was a loud complaint that He “welcomes sinners and cats with them.” Karris comes to the provocative conclusion that Jesus got Himself crucified by the way He ate.

When He taught His followers a prayer which would express their Christian identity, the petition for today’s needs is a request for bread. And Jesus arranged that the celebration of His memory would be in a meal: “Do this in memory of Me.” The risen Lord was recognized by two disciples at the breaking of bread. And would you believe what He asked of the dumbfounded apostles when He appeared to them in the Upper Room: “Have you anything here to eat?”

This theme of food continues into the Acts of the Apostles. The breaking of bread was one of the cornerstones of the early community. And when Peter was establishing his credentials as a witness his claim was: “We have eaten and drunk with Him after His resurrection from the dead.” (Acts 10:41).

The day when Jesus fed the multitude in the lonely place was lide a summary of His mission. He welcomed the crowds … even though they were wrecking His plans for a day of retreat with the apostles. He talked to them about the Kingdom of God. He brought healing to those who needed it. And He fed them in their hunger.

Bread is a symbol of the outreach of God to His children in welcome, enlightenment, healing and sustaining. 

Note: Taken from Fr. Silvester O’Flynn OFMCap., THE GOOD NEWS OF LUKE’S YEAR, Dublin, Ireland: Cathedral Books/The Columbia Press, Revised Edition, 1991 (1994 reprinting), pages 111-113.

[Salvation]

Sunday Scripture Study

 

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

June 2, 2013

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Psalm: 110:1-4

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:11b-17

• The account in this Sunday’s Gospel is, besides the Resurrection, the only one common to all four gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; John 6:1-13).

• Jesus and his disciples are in Galilee and the disciples have just returned from being sent out to preach and heal the sick (Luke 9:1-6). The crowds go out to meet Jesus and he receives them (“welcomed” them, says the RSV) and, according to Mark’s gospel, “he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).

• As it grows late, the disciples advise Jesus to send the crowds away to find lodging and food. When Jesus tells them to see to it themselves, they are incredulous: All they have on hand are five loaves and two fishes. How can they feed so many with so little?

• Jesus shows them that he is more than able to meet their needs—and then some. In this way he also foreshadows the abundance of his Kingdom—especially in the abundant life he offers through his own Body and Blood in the Most Holy Eucharist.

 

QUESTIONS:

• How do you account for the differences in the way Jesus and the disciples view the crowds? What thoughts must the disciples have as they collect the leftovers? Describe how the disciples might have felt in Luke chapter 9, verse 15. In verses 16-17? In verses 18-21?

• How does this story reflect Eucharistic language (Luke 22:19-20, 24:30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)? What Old Testament event is similar (2 Kings 4:42-44)? How are the events related in the First Reading also a foreshadowing of the priesthood and the Eucharist?

• How does the function of distributing the loaves and fishes (verses 14-16) point to the disciple’s priesthood?

• How have you seen Jesus stretch your resources beyond what you could imagine?

• How has Jesus fed you when you’ve been spiritually hungry lately? When you sense that hunger, do you come searching for him, or do you usually try to fill up on something else first? If so what, what? Why?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1335, 1329, 1338

 

If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.

                                                                                                            - St. Maximilian Kolbe

[Salvation]

St. Paul Center Blog

Blessed and Given: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Posted by Dr. Scott Hahn on 05.31.13 |

Genesis 14:18-20
Psalm 110:1-4
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11-17

At the dawn of salvation history, God revealed our future in figures. That’s what’s going on in today’s First Reading: A king and high priest comes from Jerusalem (see Psalm 76:3), offering bread and wine to celebrate the victory of God’s beloved servant, Abram, over his foes.

By his offering, Melchizedek bestows God’s blessings on Abram. He is showing us, too, how one day we will receive God’s blessings and in turn “bless God” - how we will give thanks to Him for delivering us from our enemies, sin and death.

As Paul recalls in today’s Epistle, Jesus transformed the sign of bread and wine, making it a sign of His body and blood, through which God bestows upon us the blessings of His “new covenant.”

Jesus is “the priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,” that God, in today’s Psalm, swears will rule from Zion, the new Jerusalem (see Hebrews 6:20-7:3).

By the miracle of loaves and fishes, Jesus in today’s Gospel, again prefigures the blessings of the Eucharist.

Notice that He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the Twelve. You find the precise order and words in the Last Supper (see Luke 22:19) and in His celebration of the Eucharist on the first Easter night (see Luke 24:30).

The Eucharist fulfills the offering of Melchizedek. It is the daily miracle of the heavenly high priesthood of Jesus.

It is a priesthood He conferred upon the Apostles in ordering them to feed the crowd, in filling exactly twelve baskets with leftover bread - in commanding them on the night He was handed over: “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Through His priests He still feeds us in “the deserted place” of our earthly exile.
And by this sign He pledges to us a glory yet to come. For as often as we share in His body and blood. we proclaim His victory over death, until He comes again to make His victory our own.

[Salvation]

The Body and Blood of Christ: Are we satisfied?

"Very bread good Shepherd tend us . . ."

 

Readings for the Solemnity: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/060213.cfm

 

Gen 14: 18-20
1 Cor 11: 23-26
Lk 9: 11b – 17

How much is too much? Despite our troubled economy, we still have more than we truly need.  Our most basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, and a decent education, is all we truly “need.” Obviously, we also want to have not just clothing but nice clothes: well made, comfortable, stylish.  Shelter brings to mind a nice house in a good and safe neighborhood. Food, well let’s have plenty of it.  An education should be more than just basic learning.  Why not go for the best one can find and afford so that one can attain a great career and become wealthy and secure, with a large bank account to boot. And then when we have all we want – we want more. Then we think of upgrades with the newest, sleekest technology and the largest number of megabites and gigabites and the fastest speed. Are we ever really satisfied?

This weekend we mark a beautiful Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi.  The Gospel is a story of those in great need: “Jesus . . . healed those who needed to be cured . . .” (Lk 9: 11b).  As the miracle story continues we hear of an even greater need – the crowd is hungry.  It is late and Jesus has taught and healed all day in this “deserted place.” The odds are against the meager food the Apostles find, “five loaves and two fish” for 5,000 men, not counting likely more women and children total. Their need is indeed great.  Who cares about the cars, beautiful homes in great neighborhoods, and an abundance of money? 

It strikes me that this dramatic setting is rich not only with signs of abundance but an indication of what the Holy Eucharist, the precious Body and Blood of Christ, is for us: a never ending source of plenty because it is Christ himself who provides the food. The gift of bread and fish, normal food to be eaten, is given by the incarnate God made flesh in Jesus.  It is the compassionate humanity of Jesus (God) which shines through this beautiful miracle story.  As both human and divine our God feeds us and connects with our experience and our need. I don’t think that is any ordinary act of giving.

Our first reading from Genesis 14 presents the somewhat obscure “Melchizedek, king of Salem” who brought out bread and wine as a kind of offering to bless Abram. As Melchizedek prays over Abram he blesses the God Most High, the “creator of heaven and earth.” This act of blessing, the offering of bread and wine, is clearly the reason for this Genesis reading on this Feast.  It assures us of another aspect of the Eucharist – that of a blessing upon all those who participate.  As we share, we are blessed by the God most High. Are we worthy of that generous act by God?

Although the Genesis story is the familiar use of bread and wine as we know from our Mass experience, the Gospel story has even more of an allusion to the Eucharist.  For there, Jesus takes the bread and fish. He blesses, breaks and distributes, with the help of the Apostles, this multiplied food to the hungry crowds.  Just as during our celebration of the Mass, the priest blesses, breaks and distributes the Body and Blood of Christ (with the assistance of other ministers) to the spiritually hungry assembly, here we see a connection to the selfless giving of Christ whose ultimate gift of salvation was achieved on the cross.  There his body and blood were shed and here is body and blood becomes our food - a gift only God can give. This is Christ given to us which is why we say I’ve “received” the Eucharist – I did not walk up to the altar and take it.

The abundance, twelve baskets, left over may remind us that what we have received is even more than we can perceive. The Eucharist is for us an invitation to turn ourselves to the Lord who alone can satisfy us more than any stuff we may pile up.  We are never satisfied with what we have because nothing of this world has eternal value.  Yet, we often shop and spend as if our lives depend on it. All things will pass away and though we all enjoy the beauty of creation and the wonders of science and technology, none of that can offer us what Christ alone can offer – himself as our food.

This Sunday, throughout the world, our Holy Father Pope Francis will lead a world-wide holy hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  Through the wonders of technology that adoration will be broadcast live from St. Peter’s Basilica at 5 p.m. Rome time.  However, for those of us in what would be Sunday morning Mass time zone, we are invited to take some time in prayer before the Eucharist later that day.  So, be sure to do so if you can on this significant Eucharistic Feast.  Hopefully, a holy hour of prayer and adoration will be provided in your parish. 

Pope Francis’ intentions for that hour are two:

First: For the Church spread throughout the world and united today as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world ‘ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.’ That the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.

Second: For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church’s prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.

As we celebrate this beautiful Solemnity of the Holy Eucharist, it may be good for us to reflect on our level of satisfaction.  When I feel “hungry” or “restless” where do I go? Shopping?  When I feel lonely, what do I do? Have I ever taken some time to pray before the presence of Christ in the Tabernacle of my parish Church or attended an hour of Eucharistic adoration?

What about the Mass?  Is it just a social event, an obligation, a guilt trip? Or do I see it as a living encounter with the risen Lord of life as I join with my brothers and sisters in the community of faith?

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament
have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray,
so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood
that we may always experience in ourselves
the fruits of your redemption.

(Collect of Solemnity)

 

Fr. Tim

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for June 2, 2013:

(Feast of Corpus Christi) Today we celebrate the nourishment we receive from Jesus in the Eucharist. What one thing do you do to spiritually nourish your marriage? If you can’t think of something, start by saying a prayer together before bedtime.  

[Salvation]

Insight Scoop

The Blessed Sacrament: It's either All or nothing

Scriptural Reflection on the Readings for June 2, 2013, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ | Carl E. Olson

Readings:
• Gen 14:18-20
• Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
• 1 Cor 11:23-26
• Lk 9:11b-17

Shortly after my wife and I entered the Catholic Church in 1997, I had a conversation with an Evangelical friend that was as disconcerting as it was friendly. A.J., who I met in Bible college several years earlier, was curious about the Catholic doctrine that the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. I say “curious” because A.J., unlike some of my other Protestant friends, was not really bothered or offended by this belief, merely puzzled. After much discussion, he said, “I don’t see what the big deal is. I believe that Communion is symbolic, and you believe it is more than a symbol. But, either way, we’re both Christians.”

His comment surprised me because it was readily evident to me—as it is to many Protestants—that the Catholic belief in the Eucharist (shared by Eastern Orthodox and Ancient Oriental Christians) is an “all or nothing” proposition. If the Eucharist is Jesus, it calls for a response of humble acceptance; if the Eucharist is not really Jesus, it is an idolatrous offense against God—worshipping bread and wine as though they are somehow divine.

On this feast day celebrating the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the readings reveal, in different ways, the truthfulness of the ancient and consistent belief in the Eucharist. It is fitting that this great mystery has ancient roots in one of most mysterious of all biblical figures: the priest Melchizedek, who makes just one historical appearance in the Scriptures (Gen. 14:18-20), is mentioned once more in the Old Testament (Ps. 110:4), and then reappears in the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Having just left the battlefield, Abram encountered the “king of Salem”, who was also a “priest of God Most High.” Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abram and blessed the patriarch, and Abram responded with a tithe. Both actions indicated Melchizedek’s superior position, as noted in the letter to the Hebrews (Heb 7:1-7). It is the first time a priest is mentioned in the Scriptures, several centuries before the Hebrews had a priesthood.

“The Christian tradition,” the Catechism states, “considers Melchizedek, ‘priest of God Most High,’ as a prefiguration of the priesthood of Christ, the unique ‘high priest after the order of Melchizedek’” (CCC 1544, 1333). Christ’s priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood. Because He is the Son of God and is God Himself (the argument of Hebrews 1), His priesthood is validated by His eternal nature and His infinite being (Heb. 7:16, 24ff). Melchizedek’s importance lies in his loyalty to God Most High, the purity of his intentions, and his sacrifice of bread and wine.  He represents a time when the priesthood was part of the natural order of family structure. By establishing the New and universal covenant through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ formed a new and everlasting family of God, bound not by ethnicity, but by grace and the Holy Spirit.

And because Jesus is God, He is able to give the household of God His Body and Blood for the nourishment of soul and body, and for the forgiveness of sins. By providing this Eucharistic banquet, a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, He fulfills the promise of a worldwide family of God foreshadowed in the person of the king-priest Melchizedek. The feeding of the five thousand, described in today’s reading from Luke’s Gospel, anticipates and represents the sacrament of the Eucharist, as Christ miraculously feeds—with the assisting hands and efforts of His priests, the Apostles—those who hunger to hear His words.

If the bread and wine remained unchanged, Christ would be, at best, equal to Melchizedek. But the King of Kings said, “This is my body that is for you”, and the High Priest declared, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” The Eucharist is Jesus Christ. That is the great truth we humbly celebrate today—and every day we receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

(This "Opening the Word" column originally appeared in the June 10, 2007, edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)

[Salvation]

Insight Scoop

[Salvation]

Insight Scoop

Know Him in the Breaking of Bread

Know Him in the Breaking of Bread | Fr. Francis Randolph | From Know Him in the Breaking of Bread: A Guide To The Mass

The First Mass

In the evening of the first day of the week, two disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. And one came up beside them and began to explain the Scriptures that told of Jesus the Christ, how he was destined to suffer and rise again. And as he spoke, the hearts of the disciples burned within them; they were stirred and enlightened by the new explanation of scriptural words they had heard so many times before. But it was not until they sat together, and he took bread and broke it, that they recognized that the person actually present with them was the same Jesus about whom they had been speaking (Lk 24:13-35).

From that day till this, Christians have met to hear the Scriptures explained and to know Jesus in the breaking of bread. These three elements are the essence of the Mass: Christians come together and discern the spirit of Jesus in each other. They listen to the Word of God, and their hearts burn within them as they hear it. And in the breaking of bread they recognize Jesus himself actually present, given for them.

The coming together is vital; it is only in the Church that the Mass can take place. This does not mean necessarily in a special church building, though that helps. Nor does it mean that many people are necessarily gathered on any particular occasion, though that is desirable. It means that the Mass is celebrated within the unity of the One Church, that the celebration is not a private, exclusive affair but is in conscious union with the Church throughout the world. One of the most moving descriptions of the Mass I have read is by the American Jesuit Walter Ciszek, who was a prisoner in the old Soviet Union. He managed to slip away into the forest with only one companion and celebrated Mass quietly and secretly, using a tree stump as an altar. And in so doing he was far from alone; he was one with millions of Catholics all over the world. The whole Church came into the heart of that forest; Christ was made present among a people who were unaware of his existence. That lonely Mass was very much the expression of Christians coming together, uniting in the one sacrifice. [1]

Listening to the Word of God is vital; unless we have heard about Jesus, how can we love him? There may be only a brief, whispered passage from the Gospel, or there may be a long, drawn-out sequence of readings, but in one way or other the message of Scripture must be proclaimed. The Church first expressed her faith in the words of the Bible, and the long centuries of developing tradition have deepened and enhanced those words. We do not hear them alone but within the Church that gave birth to them, and even now, even after they have been spoken so many, many times, they are still capable of awakening our hearts to burn within us.

Continue reading "Know Him in the Breaking of Bread" »

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Corpus Domini

By

Dom Mark

 on May 28, 2013 2:48 PM |

Hail, Festival Day!
Hail, Day of Sion's sweetest hymns!
Hail, Day of timeless adoration!
Hail, Day of lavish jubilation!
Hail, Day of our most fragrant incense!
Hail, Day of flowers strewn before their Maker!
Hail, Day of flames dancing in the presence of the Fire!
Hail, Day of a silence that is song!
Hail Day of a song become silence!
Hail, Day made radiant by the Face that shines like the sun in full strength!
Hail, Day made lovely by the Face of the fairest of the children of men!
Hail, Day rising to see the Face once hidden in the tabernacle of the Virgin's womb!
Hail, Day rejoicing in the Human Face of God concealed in bread and wine!

Hail, Eucharistic Face reflecting the Glory of the Father
and bearing the very stamp of His nature!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, Living Icon of the Father!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, Epiphany of the Father's Love!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, Kindly Light amidst the gloom!

Hail, Eucharistic Face of the Crucified in the Sacrament of Your abiding presence!
Hail, Eucharistic Face of Life conquering death!
Hail, Eucharistic Face of Mercy rising in the night with healing in your rays!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, Sweetness leaving no bitterness!

Hail, Eucharistic Face of the Risen One,
filling earth and heaven with glory
from the rising of the sun even to its setting
in the offering of your pure and eternal Oblation!
Hail, Eucharistic Face raising the dead to life!
Hail, Eucharistic Face breathing peace into every troubled place!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, revelation of a Heart full of mercy and ready to forgive!

Hail, Eucharistic Face of the Ascended One!
Hail, Eucharistic Face of the High Priest interceding for us beyond the veil!
Hail, Eucharistic Face of the Victim reconciling heaven and earth!
Hail, Eucharistic Face all ablaze with the Holy Spirit's fire!

Hail, Eucharistic Face of the King who will return in glory!
Hail, Eucharistic Face hidden from the powerful, the clever, and the wise!
Hail, Eucharistic Face revealed to the pure of heart!
Hail, Eucharistic Face familiar to little children and to those like them!

Hail, Eucharistic Face of the Divine Wayfarer!
Hail, Eucharistic Face, unrecognized and unknown in the midst of men!
Hail, Eucharistic Face shrouded in silence,
and with us always, even unto the consummation of the world!

Hail, God-With-Us!
Hail, God-Turned-Toward-Us!
Hail, God who with immense yearning desire to share your Pasch with us!
Hail, God-in-Search-of-Those-Who-Hunger!
God-in-Search-of-Those-Who-Thirst!
Hail, O inexhaustible and precious Chalice!

Hail, Day of the Altar and of the Blood!
Hail, Day of the new and everlasting covenant!
Hail, Day that calls us anew to obedience:
"All that the Lord has spoken we will do,
and we will be obedient" (Ex 24:7).
"This is my Body which is given for you.
This Chalice poured out for you is the new covenant in my Blood.
Do this in remembrance of me" (cf. Lk 22:19-20).

Hail, Day of the Blood without which there is no pardon!
Hail, Day of the Blood poured out for the refreshment of the weary!
Hail, Day of the Blood that flows, a river of mercy in the wastelands of sin!
Hail, Day of the Blood that vanquishes demons!
Hail, Day of the Blood that consoles in sorrow!
Hail, Day of the Blood that cleanses the entire world of sin!
Hail, Day of the Blood of Christ, Victim and Priest!
Hail, Day of the Blood presented in the sanctuary not made by hands!
Hail, Day of the Blood offered on earth as it is in heaven!

Hail, Precious Chalice lifted up for all to see!
Hail, Precious Chalice, thanksgiving sacrifice worthy of God!
Hail, Precious Chalice held to the lips of the martyrs!
Hail, Precious Chalice strengthening every witness!
Hail, Precious Chalice making pure the impure!
Hail, Precious Chalice containing the Fire of the Divinity!
Hail, Precious Chalice, the antidote for every poison!
Hail, Precious Chalice, the remedy for every ill!

Hail, Day of the Upper Room made ready for eternity!
Hail, Day of the Pasch without end!
Hail, Day of the Bread lifted up in Christ's holy and venerable hands!
Hail, Day of the blessing uttered by His sacred lips!
Hail, Day of the Body forever given and of the Blood forever poured out!
Hail, Day of the Cenacle opened to every nation on earth!
Hail, Day of the Mystical Supper open to the poor, the sick, the lame, and the blind!
Hail, Day of Heaven's open door!
Hail, Day of the Supper of the Lamb!

Hail, Day that sees us prostrate before the Eucharistic Face of God!
Hail, Day on which men do the work of Angels!
Hail, Day on which Angels stand amazed
before the Mystery set before the children of men!
Hail, Day that passes too quickly and never passes!
Hail, Day that begins in time the joys of eternity!
Hail, Day that fills the earth with a foretaste of heaven!
Amen. Alleluia.

[Salvation]

Vultus Christi

Sit laus plena, sit sonora

By

Dom Mark

 on May 30, 2013 8:00 AM |

 

A Meditation for Corpus Christi

Remember all the desert way
through which the Lord your God has brought you:
forty years of willful wandering.
Remember the affliction and the testing.
Remember the great and terrible wilderness
wherein there was the serpent burning with his breath,
and the scorpions.
Remember the thirsty ground where there was no water.
Remember who brought you water out of the flinty rock.
Remember who fed you in the wilderness
with manna which your fathers did not know (cf. Dt 8:15-16).
Remember, and out of your remembering
give voice to the Eucharistic amazement
that is what we have in common -- O joy! -- with all the saints.

Remember the sustenance in full ears of wheat, his gift to you.
Remember the honey dripping from the rock to your heart's content (cf. Ps. 80:17).
Remember, and out of your remembering
let praises spring high and sweet and clear.
Praises to fill full the church, but even that is not enough.
Praises pouring out the doors,
praises streaming in procession,
touching every blade of grass and every leaf.
Praises stretching into the vastness of the sky overhead,
praises sinking deep into the earth,
praises sent like sparks to the East and to the West, to the North and to the South,
praises to inflame the cosmos with Eucharistic fire.

Remember, Mother Church, the holy and venerable hands,
the hands that, taking bread, broke and gave it,
the hands that have strengthened the bolts of your gates,
the hands that blessed your children within you (cf. Ps 147:12).
Remember the voice of him whose word runs swiftly,
blessing and saying, “Take and eat, this is my Body”;
“This chalice is the new testament in my Blood” (cf. 1 Cor 11:24-25).
Remember the Crucified, the Risen One, the Lord of glory
whose Face alone plants peace in your borders,
whose Heart would save your souls from death,
and feed you in time of famine (cf. Ps 32:19).
Remember his hands, his Face, and his Heart,
remember his words on the night before he suffered,
and out of your remembering, let praise come to flower on your lips.
Praise to fill that Upper Room,
praise to fill the Church,
praise to fall like a balm on every heart that has forgotten
the language of the Great Thanksgiving.

Remember the chalice of blessing
and adore the Blood of Christ.
Remember the bread that we break
and adore the Body of Christ.
Remember the one Bread by which we, though many, are made one (cf. 1 Cor 10:16-17).
Remember the chalice of the Blood
in which every tear of yours dissolves into joy.
Remember the broken Bread by which every brokenness of yours is made whole.
Remember the chalice offered to those who have nothing to offer.
Remember the Bread given to those who have nothing to give.
Remember, and into your remembering
welcome the immensity of a silence that seeks only to adore.
Tacere et adorare!

Adoring silence: liturgy of the angels, language of the prophets, poem of the saints.
Adoring silence: Eucharistic amazement too deep, too wide, too high for words.
Adoring silence spread like a mantle over the sighs and groans of a world
that has forgotten to be still in the presence of the Word.
Adoring silence, well-kept secret of a ceaseless jubilation.
Adoring silence, hidden from the learned and the clever.
Adoring silence cherished by the little ones.
“Yes, Father, for such is your gracious will” (cf. Lk 10:21).

Remember the living Bread which came down from heaven
and eating that Bread, be assumed even now into future glory.
Remember the Flesh of the Word given
in a mystery of word and Spirit, handed over in the Upper Room
Remember the Flesh of the Word lifted to the Father from the altar of the Cross.
Remember the Flesh of the Word drawing all flesh to itself
divine Flesh for the children of Adam,
healing Flesh for Eve’s sorrowing children,
God’s very Flesh for the life of the world.
Remember, and adore.

Remember the chalice that flows and overflows,
the chalice of salvation, the cup of your surpassing joy.
Remember the Blood gushing with the water
from the Open Side.
Remember the Heart’s Blood that to your hearts carries life.
Remember the Chalice that leaves on every tongue the taste of eternity,
and on your lips the lingering sweetness of the Kiss of the Mouth of God.
Remember the fire-filled Chalice,
the Chalice spilling Spirit into every open mouth.
Remember Him on whom you feed;
see him held before your eyes,
raised to the Father in the Holy Spirit,
held out to you, his hunger meeting yours.
Remember, and pronounce the “Amen” for which he waits.
The Amen of your amazement,
the Amen of your joy,
the Amen of your adoring silence.
And listen closely.
To that Amen of yours the Angels add their Alleluia.

Amen, Alleluia.
O Eucharistic adoration of heaven and of earth!
Amen, Alleluia.
Saying all that can be said.
Amen, Alleluia.
O Eucharistic song!

Amen, Alleluia.
Song of angels praising
and of archangels shining together with thrones;
song of dominations bowing low,
and of the awestruck powers;
song of the incandescent seraphim,
and of the heavenly hosts of every rank adoring.
Amen, Alleluia.

Song of the Church today.
Song of the saints dazzling with Christ-Beauty,
song of the least of his brethren
summoned today to stand in his presence,
driven by the Spirit to walk before him,
compelled by love to kneel and to adore.
Corpus Christi. Amen, Alleluia.

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

My Lord and My God

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Father Timothy Mulcahey, LC

 

Luke 9:11-17

Jesus received the crowds and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of (about) fifty." They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Introductory Prayer:Oh Sacrament most holy, oh Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Petition:Lord give me the Bread of Life so that I may never hunger again. Make me worthy to receive you today and every day of my life. I want my life to be melted into yours. Just as bread is made from wheat grain that dies and is ground into flour to be kneaded into a mass of dough, shaped, and passed through fire, so I want my life to be part of yours. Grant me the grace to receive you often in this sacrament.

1. Give Them Some Food Yourselves: The Apostles are incapable of doing what Jesus did for the crowd. They could never meet this challenge. Christ wants them to feel their helplessness in order to illustrate his power and his care for the multitude. How often we try to fix all of life’s problems on our own! We think that we are so powerful until we come across a great obstacle such as the one facing the apostles. They wondered in that moment what they could possibly give. We have received so much from God that we can become spoiled by his gifts. He lovingly has given us the ability to solve many problems in this life – whether our own or those of others. But sometimes we are faced with the impossibility of independently reaching a solution; here we can become proud and disgruntled. We often don’t know how to put this type of problem in God’s hands.

2. They All Ate and Were Satisfied: Christ feeds us with the living bread. No one has a better solution to our problems than Christ. The Apostles were thinking on a much smaller scale. Anything they could come up with would be very small and incomplete. Christ has an abundant solution. He feeds the multitude until they are completely satisfied. There is so much bread left over that it fills twelve baskets – one for each apostle. Was this perhaps a personal sign to each of them of Christ’s ability to do what they couldn’t? One day they would also provide living bread through their priesthood. It would still come from Christ but would be distributed through their hands. This gift comes down to our age too. Christ has commissioned many apostles to provide the living bread to the multitude of the members of the Church. Today we celebrate this great sacrament as the continuing presence of Christ among us. He continues to give himself to us as our daily Bread.

3. Living Bread for the Living Body: The sequence written for today’s Mass reminds us of a reality: the Eucharist is food for the living only. Those who would approach his altar unworthily do not receive his love but condemnation. It seems odd that this longstanding teaching held zealously for centuries is so hotly contested today by public figures who, while giving complete support to intrinsically evil acts (abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, etc.), claim to be faithful in their love to Christ, thus having the “right” to receive Him in Communion. We need to convert our lives and approach him in the sacrament of penance before approaching him as the “true bread of his sons and daughters that should never be given to dogs.”

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, you revealed yourself to your Apostles through the wonders of your miraculous love. Help me to see you with eyes of faith, to know you in the great works you do for me and for others through me. Teach me as you taught your Apostles to unite myself to you in living my life for others. I pray that you may use me as you used them to touch the lives of many. Help me be humble and confident in your presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Resolution:I will visit the Lord in the Eucharist this week. I will try to spend some time before him in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, thanking him for the gift of himself in this sacrament and asking him to make me his apostle.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Sunday, June 2, 2013 >>

Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Genesis 14:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
View Readings

Psalm 110:1-4
Luke 9:11-17

"A LIVING SACRIFICE" (Rm 12:1)

"This is My body, which is for you." —1 Corinthians 11:24

 

The Mass makes present the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Therefore, to enter into the spirit of the Mass, we must "proclaim the death of the Lord" (1 Cor 11:26) and offer our bodies to the Lord as living sacrifices (Rm 12:1). The spirit of the Mass is the spirit of sacrifice. Thus it is important to fast before Mass, deny ourselves, and take up our crosses each day (Lk 9:23) with the intention of uniting ourselves to Jesus crucified (see Gal 2:19) and sacrificed (see Heb 9:26). Through our "good deeds and generosity" (Heb 13:16), we make sacrifices pleasing to the Lord. We can unite these sacrifices with Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary and fill up in our own bodies what is lacking in the "sufferings of Christ" (Col 1:24).

The Mass is not the proclamation and perpetuation of our sacrifices but rather of His sacrifice. However, the Mass is the participation of our sacrifices in His. Live the Mass. Live a life of sacrifice. Through Jesus, "let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15).

 

Prayer: Father, do a miracle of multiplication in today's Mass (see Lk 9:16ff).

Promise: "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." —1 Cor 11:25

Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus. Your Body and Blood bring us eternal life. All praise and honor be to You!