June 2, 2024: Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Catholic Social Teaching: All seven principles
The Eucharist and Catholic Social Teaching (two webinars): https://mcgrath.nd.edu/conferences/academic-pastoral/conversations-that-matter-the-eucharist-and-catholic-social-teaching/
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm: 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15
Gospel Acclamation: John 6:51
Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Worship of the Eucharist. In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by, among other ways, genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord. “The Catholic Church has always offered and still offers to the sacrament of the Eucharist the cult of adoration, not only during Mass, but also outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts with the utmost care, exposing them to the solemn veneration of the faithful, and carrying them in procession.” (1378)
It is highly fitting that Christ should have wanted to remain present to his Church in this unique way. Since Christ was about to take his departure from his own in his visible form, he wanted to give us his sacramental presence; since he was about to offer himself on the cross to save us, he wanted us to have the memorial of the love with which he loved us “to the end,” even to the giving of his life. In his Eucharistic presence he remains mysteriously in our midst as the one who loved us and gave himself up for us, and he remains under signs that express and communicate this love:
The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease. (1380)
“That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that ‘cannot be apprehended by the senses,’ says St. Thomas, ‘but only by faith, which relies on divine authority.’ For this reason, in a commentary on Luke 22:19 (‘This is my body which is given for you.’), St. Cyril says: ‘Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Savior in faith, for since he is the truth, he cannot lie.'”
Godhead here in hiding, whom I do adore
Masked by these bare shadows, shape and nothing more,
See, Lord, at thy service low lies here a heart
Lost, all lost in wonder at the God thou art.
Seeing, touching, tasting are in thee deceived;
How says trusty hearing? that shall be believed;
What God’s Son has told me, take for truth I do;
Truth himself speaks truly or there’s nothing true. (1381)
From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Cycle B
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
Podcast Link: https://peaceonjustice.substack.com/p/peace-on-justice-9af
Referencing the Passover meal as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Mark presents a motif reflective of house churches that were emerging when he wrote the Gospel. An obvious script where readers could insert personal experiences into the roles portrayed, with unnamed, stereotypical participants. The disciple party planners, a man carrying the water jar providing basic necessities in desert environs, ubiquitous master of the house all leading to a large upper room. Completely furnished and ready for a sacrificial lamb reflective of sacrificial elements of the Eucharist for blessing and breaking of bread, blessing and giving of the cup. Words etched in the opening Passover prayer and ended like a Seder, with the intoning of a hymn, most likely drawing upon Psalms 113-118. One meal in a litany of banquets Jesus attended, from table fellowship with sinners, meals with disciples leading to the eternal eschatological banquet. But a meal drawing upon Moses’ words acclaiming of the Ten Commandments and covenant of sacrifice with blood sprinkled on the people and altar symbolizing God. A unifying ritual using blood as a symbol of life and agent of purification. A covenant detailed in Exodus, that Jesus affirms while speaking in the upper room. When taking the cup and saying, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Words drawing upon the Suffering Servant scripture of Isaiah. With Old Testament imagery, Jesus acknowledges His impending death will be a sacrifice for others, which in Hebrew means for all, not just some, or a few. For He did not come to be served, but give His life as ransom for many. A cup He would drink anew in the kingdom of God at the messianic banquet. But a cup ever present, bread broken and blessed on the altar of each mass, with the Lord’s presence as a mediator of the new covenant. For Christ came as a high priest, the perfect tabernacle obtaining our eternal redemption. The temple raised up in three days representing the perfect tabernacle of Christ’s spiritual, heavenly body, not of this creation. A high priest with access beyond the Holy of Holies, bound with blood of animals, to the heavenly sanctuary. Redemption from Old Testament verbiage signifying deliverance like Israel experienced leaving captivity of Egypt and Babylon and Jesus’ sacrifice gave eternal deliverance from sin for the ultimate freedom and liberation. As Leviticus states, without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. An annual transitory ritual for the Day of Attainment with rotating priesthood at the temple to a sacrifice consummated on the cross and fulfilled in the heavenly realm from the Ascension’s launching. Jesus, the spotless victim metaphorically like unblemished animals used in ritual sacrifices and Passover meals, continues His priestly ministry in heaven. I Am’s living bread that came down from heaven with His assurance that whoever eats this bread will live forever. A sacrifice of His body and blood that in response we offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving when celebrating His Real Presence in the Eucharist to cleanse our conscience from dead works to worship the living God.
Individual Reflection: Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18
June 7th is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and June 8th the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Sacred Heart is viewed as the source of God’s boundless love and charity,. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart stresses the nature of Mary’s love and concern for all who call upon her. Reflect on these two well-springs of love this week.
Family Reflection: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Attend an eucharistic procession with a different cultural perspective that is customary for your family..
Prayer: What do you say to Jesus when you are walking in line to receive communion?
Blogs to Visit:
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born May 26, 2024 St Philip Neri, Pray for us ! The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.