Information about the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)[1]
Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Gn 14:18-20
The Melchizedek story in this chapter of Genesis drives the interpretation of he entire chapter. Using the lens of this passage, the chapter becomes a testament to the power of God and the irresistible nature of His plan.
The surface intent of this reference is obvious placed on this feast day as a reference to the Eucharistic meal we celebrate. Placed against the tapestry of God’s involvement with mankind, Melchizedek, Priest-King of Jerusalem (Salem is likely a reference to the same geographical place) is likely celebrating a covenant meal with Abram following their great victory. The parallel to our celebration of the Eucharist is clear.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110 is a royal psalm sung to the king (Melchizedek – Priest King, see above). We are reminded that God supports his people with power.
Reading II 1 Cor 11:23-26
This selection from St. Paul’s letter is the earliest written account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It is a clear injunction to repeat this celebration and in doing so recreate the blessing of the upper room.
Gospel Lk 9:11b-17
The story of “Feeding the Multitude” from St. Luke’s Gospel serves as the image for the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The clear statement “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them,” is a reference to our own Eucharistic meal.
Reflection:
On this day especially, we are awed that Jesus Christ shares his body, once more broken in sacrifice for the multitudes, is shared by the faithful. We wonder what St. Paul would think if he were alive today. All over the world the word is proclaimed and the great covenant between God and his people is renewed.
The most Holy Sacrament of the Alter has so many different representations to us. It is truly the life of the Christian faithful. It is celebrated at each Mass, thousands and hundreds of thousands each day. It represents the meal of Christ with his friends the night before he was betrayed. It is the covenant meal and Christ was the sacrifice that sealed it. It is the High Feast of the Lamb of God in which and by which we are made one with the Lord. It is food for the journey.
While in other parts of the world this solemnity was celebrated last Thursday, we are reminded that the most holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Corpus Christi, is shared by the whole Church on this Sabbath Day. In one unifying burst, the Lord becomes the conduit of faith that unites us in Him for our salvation and as an expression of God’s love seen around the world.
Pax
Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Gn 14:18-20
The Melchizedek story in this chapter of Genesis drives the interpretation of he entire chapter. Using the lens of this passage, the chapter becomes a testament to the power of God and the irresistible nature of His plan.
The surface intent of this reference is obvious placed on this feast day as a reference to the Eucharistic meal we celebrate. Placed against the tapestry of God’s involvement with mankind, Melchizedek, Priest-King of Jerusalem (Salem is likely a reference to the same geographical place) is likely celebrating a covenant meal with Abram following their great victory. The parallel to our celebration of the Eucharist is clear.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110 is a royal psalm sung to the king (Melchizedek – Priest King, see above). We are reminded that God supports his people with power.
Reading II 1 Cor 11:23-26
This selection from St. Paul’s letter is the earliest written account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper. It is a clear injunction to repeat this celebration and in doing so recreate the blessing of the upper room.
Gospel Lk 9:11b-17
The story of “Feeding the Multitude” from St. Luke’s Gospel serves as the image for the Eucharist on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The clear statement “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them,” is a reference to our own Eucharistic meal.
Reflection:
On this day especially, we are awed that Jesus Christ shares his body, once more broken in sacrifice for the multitudes, is shared by the faithful. We wonder what St. Paul would think if he were alive today. All over the world the word is proclaimed and the great covenant between God and his people is renewed.
The most Holy Sacrament of the Alter has so many different representations to us. It is truly the life of the Christian faithful. It is celebrated at each Mass, thousands and hundreds of thousands each day. It represents the meal of Christ with his friends the night before he was betrayed. It is the covenant meal and Christ was the sacrifice that sealed it. It is the High Feast of the Lamb of God in which and by which we are made one with the Lord. It is food for the journey.
While in other parts of the world this solemnity was celebrated last Thursday, we are reminded that the most holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Corpus Christi, is shared by the whole Church on this Sabbath Day. In one unifying burst, the Lord becomes the conduit of faith that unites us in Him for our salvation and as an expression of God’s love seen around the world.
Pax
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