THEME: THE REAL PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN BOTH SPECIES- “DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME”!

(Deut. 8:2-3, 14-16; 1 Cor. 10:16-17; John 6:51-58)

The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ offers is a special opportunity as Catholics to showcase our love for Christ and as well our believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the sacred species. Today’s Solemnity is a wonderful occasion for a more profound appreciation of the immensity of God’s love in the gift of the Eucharist as well as to reflect on its implications for us as a community that breaks the one bread and drink from the one cup. The celebration of today is at the very center of Catholic spirituality.

Ever since the institution of the Eucharist in the Upper Room by Jesus with the mandate “Do this in memory of me”, (Lk. 22:19; 1 Cor.11:24,25), the Church has in obedience gathered regularly in the name of Jesus to do and say what the Lord Jesus did and commanded at that last supper. Jesus continues to abide in the Eucharist, even after the Mass as the ‘Real Presence.’ This is why there is the presence of the Tabernacle in every dedicated Catholic Church, for keeping the Eucharistic Lord (Blessed Sacrament) which calls for our prayer, devotion and adoration.

In the light of this our great celebration today, the big question that confronts us individually is, do we really believe in the Eucharistic Jesus and His ever abiding Real Presence? If yes, how do we manifest that in our general reverence and attitude to the Mass (the Eucharistic Sacrifice) that requires great devotion and attention and Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharistic Tabernacle that calls for visit and adoration? The Lord is ever present in the Tabernacle waiting for us, to fill our void, emptiness and hunger. Do we make time to visit? We cannot really pray well with others unless we have learned to pray alone with the Lord.

In fact, our Sunday Eucharistic liturgies, no matter how well prepared, don’t quite satisfy our inner void and emptiness if we don’t develop a personal Eucharistic love and devotion. It is by our sincere reverence and positive attitude toward the Eucharist that would enable others come to believe in the reality of what we proclaim at Corpus Christi.

When we don’t honour and reverence the Eucharistic Lord, how do we expect others to believe and honour Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist? Therefore, give the Lord the first place in your life and allow His principles and values to determine your life decisions and choices as you bear Him witness, doing what He commands us to do in His memory.

HAPPY SUNDAY!