The birth of John the Baptist inaugurates a crucial moment in salvation history as he will prepare the people and point out the Lord Jesus to them. May John’s example inspire us to continue the proclamation of the Good News in our lives today.
The deep and abiding love of Jesus brings peace to our souls in a way that cannot be found anywhere else. May we come to Christ, and allow his gentle mercy to renew our hearts with his divine love.
On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ – often known as Corpus Christi – we receive with open hearts the gift of the Eucharist. May this spiritual food strengthen us for the task at hand as the Lord nourishes us to do his work today.
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.
As baby John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Mary all respond to Jesus, their example inspires us to acknowledge the Lord’s presence in our lives whenever two or more gather in his name.
On this feast of Mary, the Mother of the Church, may the words of Jesus to John inspire us to look to Mary’s example of discipleship and love as Christ invites each of us to “behold, your mother.”
Here are some of the themes in the Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
1st Reading – Exodus 34:4b-6,8-9
Moses, holding the stone tablets, encounters the Lord on Mount Sinai.
Moses asks the Lord to accompany the stiff-necked people of Israel and pardon their wickedness and sins.
Psalm – Deuteronomy 3:52-55
“Glory and praise for ever!”
Blessed be the Lord who is holy, glorious, praiseworthy, and exalted above all forever.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 13:11-13
Paul exhorts the people to mend their ways as they encourage one another to live in peace.
Paul then extends the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be with them.
Gospel – John 3:16-18
One of the most beloved lines in the entire Bible: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
God sends his Son, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
The power of the Holy Spirit transforms the hearts and minds of disciples, filling us with God’s grace and sending us forth to offer our lives as we follow the call of Christ.
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