In response to the crowds who speak about how Moses gave the Israelites manna to eat, Jesus states that he is the bread of life, and whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Note: This is the second of five weeks where we hear from John’s Gospel, chapter six. It really is worth it to dig out your Bible and read this chapter!
Jesus taught his disciples at the Last Supper that the bread and wine become his Body and Blood that they must eat and drink. Thus, we cherish the Eucharist and fervently come to the Lord’s table to receive Holy Communion, for we are what we eat.
At the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus inaugurates a new covenant in his Body and Blood that we might enter into Holy Communion with the Lord and one another.
This 4-part parish retreat takes the listener through Holy Week:
Palm Sunday – setting the stage for the events to come
Holy Thursday – Service and Sacrament
Good Friday – Sacrifice and Support
Easter – Divine Strength and Hope
Each of these presentations can be listened individually or collectively, depending on time and circumstance. May all of us prepare to enter fully into these holy days, drawing closer to Christ and one another.
Palm Sunday– setting the stage for the events to come
After teaching the crowds, Jesus feeds the 4000 with seven loaves and a few fish, foreshadowing the moment when he will institute the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
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.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 