On the road to Emmaus, two disciples are traveling the wrong way – away from Jerusalem – when they are suddenly accompanied by Jesus, whom they do not recognize. Through the Scriptures and the Breaking of the Bread their hearts blaze with faith and they return to Jerusalem. Their encounter with Christ through the Word of God and the Eucharist inspires us to draw near to the Lord at every Mass, so that we might regularly get back on track as we encounter and follow Jesus.
We celebrate the gift of the Eucharist that gives us strength to serve the Lord and one another. May the Body of Christ renew our bodies and transform our lives each and every day.
St. Paul admonishes the divisions within the Church at Corinth, citing the abuses that take place at the Lord’s Supper and how one should receive the Body and Blood of the Lord.
St. Paul warns the people of Corinth to avoid idolatry, noting the profound difference between receiving the Body and Blood of Christ as opposed to the sacrifices offered to demons.
On this feast of Corpus Christi, we gratefully acknowledge the sacrament that Jesus defines and commands us to receive. May this precious gift of the Real Presence strengthen us for our work on earth and guide us safely to Heaven.
In this second of six presentations we hear about some of the key elements that have been a part of the Mass from the very beginning of the Church, in particular the reading of Sacred Scripture and the elements of bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Christ.
As we continue to hear the “Bread of Life” discourse from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, we reflect on how our spiritual health is renewed by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion. We are what we eat!