Today the church celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi, otherwise known as the Body of Christ. At the Last Supper our Lord instituted the sacrament of His Body and Blood. In the gospel of Matthew, we read, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:26-28)
This scripture, coupled with Jesus' teaching in the Gospel of St. John, chapter six, we have the teaching of the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. In the form of Bread and Wine, after consecration at Mass, Jesus is present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. In John, chapter six, we read: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51).
We, as Catholics, are able to receive our Lord at each Holy Mass we attend. What a beautiful gift this is. Jesus goes on to say in John, "For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." (John 6:55). As our Lord teaches, the Sacrament is more than just a symbol. The Sacrament is Our Lord, truly present.
As a result of our Lord being truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, let us be truly ready to receive Him by frequent use of confession. Our souls, like our homes, should be clean and ready to receive such a special guest as Our Lord.
As you approach the Blessed Sacrament at Mass today, be truly grateful that you and our Lord are becoming truly united spiritually. Offer Him your prayers and concerns to ask for whatever help you feel you or your family needs. Place all your concerns into His loving hands as you receive Him Holy Communion. Then rest assured that our Lord will be with you in all your cares and concerns.
Thank you for posting this. The Eucharist is at the center of our faith & unfortunately many Catholics reportedly have ignored or doubted the Real Presence of JESUS in the Eucharist & neglect Sunday Mass.
ReplyDeleteWhen Our LORD JESUS said "Do this in MEMORY of Me" He gave the apostles & their successors, the bishops & priests the power & authority to consecrate through the working of the Holy Spirit.