Let’s examine some of the themes that we find in the Mass Readings for the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

1st Reading – Genesis 14:18-20

• Melchizedek, a king and a priest, brings out bread and wine, offering a blessing to Abram.
• Abram gives a tenth of his possessions to Melchizedek in return.

Psalm – 110:1-4

• “You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.”
• God rules with power over the people and grants them his blessing.

2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 11:23-26

• Paul reminds the people that Jesus defined and commanded the reception of the Eucharist.
• Paul then teaches that as often as they eat the bread and drink the cup, they proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

Gospel – Luke 9:11b-17

• Jesus takes five loaves and two fish, blesses and gives them to a crowd of 5000 people.
• The people eat their fill, and there are twelve wicker baskets of leftover fragments.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (#169)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives