Dear Brothers and Sisters, today, we gather here to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, known as Corpus Christi. This feast is a profound reminder of the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—His Body and Blood given for the life of the world. As we reflect on the sacred readings for today, let us open our hearts to the mystery and the gift of the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our Christian life.
In the first reading from the Book of Exodus, we witness the covenant between God and the people of Israel. Moses reads the words and ordinances of the Lord to the people, who respond with a unified voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Moses then seals this covenant with a sacrificial ritual, using the blood of young bulls to symbolize the bond between God and His people. He sprinkles the blood on the altar and on the people, proclaiming, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”
This ancient ritual foreshadows the new and everlasting covenant that Christ established with His own blood. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews makes this connection clear. It explains that Christ, as our High Priest, entered the perfect sanctuary—not with the blood of animals but with His own precious blood. His sacrifice is once for all, obtaining eternal redemption for us. The author of Hebrews highlights the inefficacy of the old sacrifices and contrasts them with the powerful, cleansing blood of Christ, which purifies our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
The Gospel of Mark takes us to the heart of this new covenant. Jesus, on the night before His Passion, celebrates the Passover with His disciples. During the meal, He takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then He takes a cup, gives thanks, and gives it to them, saying, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” With these words and actions, Jesus institutes the Eucharist, giving Himself as the sacrificial lamb, whose body and blood will bring salvation to the world.
The institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper is not merely a symbolic act but a real and substantial gift. In the Eucharist, Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity. This mystery, though beyond full human comprehension, is the cornerstone of our faith. When we receive the Eucharist, we are not just participating in a ritual; we are encountering the living Christ, who comes to dwell within us.
The Eucharist is a profound expression of God’s love and a call to unity. As we partake in the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united with Him and with one another. The Eucharist breaks down the barriers that divide us and transforms us into one body in Christ. It is a source of grace that strengthens us to live out our faith in the world, to love as Christ loves, and to serve as He serves.
As we celebrate Corpus Christi, let us renew our devotion to the Eucharist. Let us approach the altar with reverence and awe, recognizing the incredible gift we receive. Let us also reflect on how the Eucharist calls us to be the Body of Christ in the world. In receiving Christ, we are sent forth to be His presence to others—to bring His love, peace, and mercy to all we encounter.
In our busy and often fragmented lives, the Eucharist is a moment of profound encounter and transformation. It is the anchor that keeps us grounded in Christ’s love. As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, let us allow this divine nourishment to shape us, to heal us, and to guide us in our daily lives.
Let us also remember the importance of adoration and thanksgiving. Spending time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, whether during Mass or in Eucharistic adoration, deepens our relationship with Christ and allows us to experience His peace and grace in a special way.
On this solemn feast of Corpus Christi, may we be filled with gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist. May we always cherish and honor this sacred mystery, allowing it to transform us into true disciples of Christ, living witnesses of His love and sacrifice.