Corpus Christi Sunday
Today we celebrate the great gift that Jesus gave to his disciples at the Last Supper. Remember the words of Jesus that we read in the gospel of Luke (22:19-20): Then Jesus gave bread to his disciples, saying: ‘This is my body, which will be given for you, do this in memory of me.’ He did the same with the cup, saying: ‘This is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.’ Jesus’ words “given for you” and “shed for you” speak of sacrifice. They speak of Jesus’ sacrifice of his body and blood on the cross.
St. Paul in today’s 2nd reading comments on the “sacrificial” aspect of the Eucharist. “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” (1Cor10:16) Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we participate in Jesus’ offering of himself to his Father. In other words, the Eucharistic meal we celebrate together is not a new sacrifice. It is the very same sacrifice that Jesus began at the Last Supper and completed on Golgotha. This is an incredible fact! This can only be true because Jesus, as God, transcends time and his same sacrifice is made present at every Mass through eternity. Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper and on the cross are made present to us, in an unbloody manner.
We receive the same Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem…the same Jesus who died on the cross for us…the same Jesus who rose from the dead for us.
This is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Malachi 1:11, as we are told by the Council of Trent: “For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, my name is great among the nations; And everywhere they bring sacrifice to my name, a pure offering; For great is my name among the nations, says the Lord.” The Eucharist calls us into action – to become like Jesus Christ, whom we receive!
In the last three months, without public Mass, we could not receive the Holy Eucharist, but only unite ourselves spiritually with the Lord. Daily Mass will return on Monday, June 15th to our parish. We will be able to celebrate Sunday Mass on June 21st and the evening before. Social distancing rules will apply, as well as the wearing of a mask.
May God bless you always!
Deacon Mike