Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist is “the source and summit of our faith.” It is incumbent on us as Catholics to know about the Eucharist; why we believe what we believe. Today’s readings point the way.
In the first reading from Exodus 24, we see that the covenant with Moses and the Israelites was one that was sealed in blood. While this was done with the blood of animals, the New Covenant would be sealed with the Blood of Christ. The second reading from Hebrews tells us this. “Christ…entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
In the Gospel reading from Mark 14, we see the scene of the Last Supper. Jesus sacramentally turns the bread and wine into His Body and Blood. How did He do it? Who can know. The Eucharist will always be a mystery that must be taken on faith. But we know that He did it. And He gave the power and authority to the Apostles to do the same. This way, Christians throughout all time can “eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink His Blood.” Thank you, Jesus!
Father, we thank you for the greatest gift of the Church, the Body and Blood of Christ. Increase our faith and understanding, as we invite others to join us in the Sacred Mystery. Amen.
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