“Corpus et Sanguinis Christi”

READINGS:    Exodus 24: 3-8   /   Psalm 116: 12-13. 15-16. 17-18   /   Hebrews 9: 11-15   /  MARK 14: 12-16. 22-26

HIS WORD… TAKE IT; THIS IS MY BODY… THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE SHED FOR MANY. AMEN, I SAY TO YOU, I SHALL NOT DRINK AGAIN THE FRUIT OF THE VINE UNTIL THE DAY WHEN I DRINK IT NEW IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

my words… it has been said doctrinally that the MASS is the highest form of prayer and worship; the MASS is the umbrella sacrament of the Seven Sacraments; and the MASS is the summation and the focal  point of Salvation History. The MASS therefore is the most comprehensive doctrine and mystery of the Catholic Church.

Brothers and Sisters, today we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ; or the “Corpus et Sanguinis Christi” Sunday. Let me share to you two aspects of the Holy Eucharist; namely, the Eucharist as a Covenant, and the Eucharist as a Memorial.

1. Mass as a COVENANT: In the consecration of the Chalice in the Mass, the formula says, “This is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the New and Everlasting COVENANT… “  Why NEW? Because there were old Covenants that God entered into; meaning, God entered into different and tailored covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, but they were stained with imperfections. And so the Covenant with Jesus perfected all the other previous covenants; thereby making Christ’s once and for all covenant a NEW and EVERLASTING Covenant.
2. Mass as a MEMORIAL: In the concluding formula of the above consecratory words, it says, “Do this in Memory of Me.” Before Jesus died, He wanted to be remembered by us forever; and He did not leave us a jewelry, a photograph, a token, or any other item of memory but His very own “flesh” and “blood”. And His command to do it “in His memory” is being immortalized in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Every time we received His flesh and blood in the Mass, we do not only remember Him but above all, allow Him to live with us, in us, and among us day after day.

This is the beautiful mystery of the Holy Eucharist; Jesus, flesh and blood, condescended with us to be with us until the end of time. That is the greatest love of God for us; He wanted to be with us always and the Holy Mass expresses and actualizes it.

May the Holy Eucharist be an avenue for us to be with God and God with us. For this our union with God especially in Holy Communion will surely bring us to eternal life.

HAPPY “CORPUS ET SANGUINIS CHRISTI” SUNDAY…