Tag Archives: The Feast of Corpus Christi – The Body & Blood of Christ

Feast of Corpus Christi

Homilies,

To watch Fr. Joe’s homily from the Feast of Corpus Christi: CLICK HERE! 

In more recent years families gathering around a table for a meal seemed to be a rare occasion, maybe at holidays, maybe on a special occasion.  Everyone had some place to go and nobody’s schedule seemed to be the same.  Then came the Pandemic and maybe one of the things that changed, at least for a while was, nobody was going anywhere.

People had to live with those people, often referred to as: husband & wife;  ma & dad;  children;  brother and sister…

People actually gathered around a table to eat, to be family.

And today we have a Feast: The Body and Blood of Jesus, that also asks us to gather around a table.  To find the time again to be with our community of faith, our family in person and in some cases via livestreaming.

When I think of families gathering together at home, of families gathering together at God’s home (Church for Mass), my thoughts are the same families and parishioners around a table with those they love, sharing in conversation, stories, being fed… good food and good wine, bonds of friendship and life and love deepening… People being nourished to go out into the world to work, to school, to serve & care for others.

I think of people being fed and becoming what they eat.  We’ve all heard that quote, “you are what you eat.”  And it is true both physically and spiritually.

I think of food and drink necessary to keep us alive, physically and spiritually, that should also move us to bring nourishment, in any number of ways, to the people we interact with day in and day out.

It is our belief that we actually receive the Body and Blood of Jesus under the appearance of bread and wine every time we receive Communion, but as the Disciples of the past remind us, we are called to feed others, to bring Jesus into the world daily, to “become what we receive” – Jesus to one another.

Maybe todays Feast is that reminder to continue to make Jesus real to the people and world in which we live – to be Jesus, to be Holy Communion to others, as we continue to come together as family, as God’s family, now and forever.   (Amen)

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Homilies,

To watch Fr. Joe’s homily from The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: CLICK HERE!

We often refer to the Mass as the Eucharist.  The Mass, as we know has two parts: Word and Sacrament; Scriptures and Eucharist!

As Catholics we believe that every time we receive the Eucharist, Holy Communion, we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Eucharist is, if you will, FOOD for the journey of life and faith.

Today’s reading of the feeding of the 5,000 men, points us to the Eucharist.  Just as Jesus fed the people, took care of the people in his “midst” that day in Galilee, the Eucharist we receive today, and every day, is an ongoing reminder that Jesus continues to care for his people today.  But the Eucharist we share in every week, is also meant to remind us that, like Jesus, we who participate receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – are now asked to go forth, to spread the Good News of Jesus and to care for one another.

Put another way, we who receive the Body of Christ, are called to care for the Body of Christ where ever we find ourselves in our daily lives.

In a phrase, “We bring Christ to others wherever we go.”

It happened some years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics.  Nine runners – all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash.  At the signal they all took off running to win!  All, that is, but one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over and began to cry.  Hearing his cries the other eight runners all turned around and ran back to the boy.  One girl with Down’s Syndrome bent down and kissed him saying, “This will make it better.”  Then all nine runners linked arms and together passed the finish line.  Everyone in the stadium stood and cheered for the winners…all nine of them!

May we continue to bring Christ to others wherever we go.

The Feast of Corpus Christi – The Body & Blood of Christ

Homilies

“Give them something to eat yourselves,” this is the response of Jesus to his Disciples when they share with Jesus that they do not have enough food to feed the people.  But, what happens… The feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish is a reminder that “God’s love always exceeds our need.”

The Gospel story today is not just about Jesus providing for the physical needs of people to be nourished.  It is also a reminder that our God wishes to provide for the spiritual needs of people.

For Jesus, the feeding of the 5,000 was not meant to be a one-time thing.

“Give them something to eat yourselves,” is Jesus saying to his Disciples of yesterday, today and tomorrow, “Feed one another… See that everyone is nourished – physically and spiritually.”

At that Last Supper, Jesus says to his Disciples, “Do this in memory of me.”   Have this Meal be nourished.  Feed one another.  Encourage one another.  Share whatever abundance you have with one another.

Today we come together to be fed, to be challenged, to be encouraged, to be lifted up, to be sent out refreshed and recommitted to feeding & nourish others.

As we respond more and more to Jesus’ command to “Give them some food yourselves,” know that we will be preaching the Gospel and maybe more importantly:  practicing what we preach!