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.

Mass Readings – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (#167)

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