On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus, also known as Corpus Christi, we celebrate what most deeply defines our identity as Catholic Christians: the Holy Eucharist.
The scripture readings for this Solemnity include primary examples of the power of the Blessed Sacrament. In Genesis 14, Melchizedek provides Abraham with bread and wine after his victory. This foreshadows the blessings and sustenance that come to us in the Eucharist through Christ’s victory over death. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul recounts the institution of the Eucharist, which Jesus invites us to partake of in remembrance of Him. The Eucharist is nourishment for our souls and sustenance for our believing and living out our lives in discipleship—it is spiritual food. Furthermore, St. Augustine of Hippo, a Church Father, urged believers: “Behold what you are, become what you receive.” How different would life look if we all carried Christ’s presence into every moment, interaction, and encounter?
In his book, Becoming Eucharistic People, Timothy P. O’Malley writes, “If everything we believe and live is infused with the wisdom of the Eucharistic mystery of love, we live in the love of God. We love our neighbor and our fellow parishioner well because Christ has called us together to become a living mystery of divine love in the world.”
We all fall short at times, but in the Eucharist, we have the real presence of Christ offering grace, forgiveness of venial sins, inner peace, strength to overcome personal struggles, and unity with God and the Church. The Eucharist is the spiritual food of truth, and in times when truth is becoming increasingly elusive, we could certainly use more Jesus! Even when we do fall short, the Eucharist can help us realize this, provide the strength to ask for forgiveness, and be forgiven by a God who loves us far beyond our sinfulness. Regular reception of the Holy Eucharist renews our spirits, brings comfort in suffering, and helps heal broken relationships and wounded hearts through divine grace. Although we have the power to make decisions about how we live, Christ offers us His divine power to help us.
On a personal note, I am captivated by our newest song, “In You,” which includes a beautiful description of Holy Communion: “It’s in You, we live and we move and we have our being, Lord. It’s in You, we find our whole purpose to know You and make You known. We want to know You and make You known.” As Pope Benedict wrote, “The Eucharist is a mystery to be believed, celebrated, and lived.”
At Mass, we sing, pray, hear the Word of God, and receive Christ to “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” In what ways do you “go forth” to carry Christ’s presence into the world? May the Holy Eucharist fill us all with grace, peace, and the strength to love beyond ourselves.
