Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. Our celebration of the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ calls us to reflect on what we are being given to eat and drink and how we are called to proclaim the death of the Lord.

In the body and blood of Christ, we encounter the person and mission of Jesus—the bread—his work of showing the face and love of God to a hungering humanity. The blood, the wine of his suffering, embraces our broken society and lifts us to the promise of redemption and new life. We are immersed in His gift of himself.

We are challenged to become what we eat and drink. As individuals and as a community, we are to become the Body of Christ in the world today. We are to give of ourselves as He did. Caring for one another, especially the vulnerable in our midst, calls us to live beyond our own selfish concerns, needs, and wants. We proclaim the death of the Lord by living our own deaths to ourselves. He tells us to give them some food yourselves. And He blesses what we bring to provide for the needs of all!

Our feast today is celebrated by processions with the Blessed Sacrament throughout the streets of our world. We process once a year, but in reality, we are called to take Christ into the streets of our world every day. Today, we are called the body of the Risen Christ, bringing hope, peace, and love to all who hunger for acceptance and wholeness.

How am I being called to proclaim Christ’s death and new life by bringing justice and peace to my family, community, and world?

Prayer:

God of life and of light, your love for us surpasses all our hopes and desires. Renew our resolve to gather as your people and to celebrate your faithful love for us manifested in Jesus’ gift of the Eucharist. Feed us at the table where we long for your presence more than for life itself. May we cherish the gifts of bread and wine and share these blessings with our brothers and sisters. Send us now as witnesses of your gospel into a world of fragile peace and broken promises so that, formed into the likeness of your son, Jesus, we may worship you in spirit and truth and proclaim your mighty deeds throughout the world. Amen.