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On this feast of St. James, the Apostle, we discover that we hold the treasure of our Christian faith in the “earthen vessel” of our human limitations. As we acknowledge our sins and embrace God’s grace, we offer our lives as a worthy sacrifice that draws us closer to the Lord and one another.
In many ways, we all identify with St. Thomas the Apostle, who overcame his doubts about the resurrection of Jesus after he encountered the Risen Lord.
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On this Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul, we recognize the powerful proclamation of their faith in Christ, and we also acknowledge the many sufferings they endured as witnesses for the Lord.
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.
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