Jesus responds to a trap set by the Pharisees and Herodians, inviting us to offer the gift of our lives – made in God’s image and likeness – to the Lord.
2nd Peter offers a practical exhortation to foster one’s faith that draws elements of mind and heart, virtue and endurance, devotion, love, and self-control.
Let’s examine some of the themes in the Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, sometimes called Corpus Christi.
1st Reading – Deuteronomy 8:2-3,14b-16a
Moses reminds the people how they were fed by God with Manna during their journey of forty years.
Moses goes on to exhort the people to never forget the Lord their God and the marvels that they experienced.
Psalm – 147:12-15,19-20
“Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.”
We glorify God as we recall how the Lord strengthens and blesses the people with peace.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 10:16-17
The cup of blessing and the bread we break are part of our communion with the blood and body of Christ.
This communion unites us to God and one another.
Gospel – John 6:51-58
Jesus proclaims that he is “the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will last forever.”
The Lord’s flesh is true food and his blood is true drink; whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life, and Christ will raise us up on the last day.
Jesus responds to Peter, reminding him that everyone who places the Lord first in their lives will receive blessings and burdens as they journey with Christ to eternal life.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 