This week’s Gospel has us revisiting the events of Holy Thursday that we commemorated not so long ago. This time as we reflect on this Gospel passage, we do so knowing that we are in the full glory of Christ’s resurrection and ascension into Heaven. This week we honour the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Otherwise known as Corpus Christi where we celebrate the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
It’s a difficult concept for most of us to understand. That Jesus Christ is actually present, body and blood, soul and divinity in the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is present in the form of bread and wine and offers himself as spiritual food for the faithful. This transformation happens during the Liturgy of the Eucharist at every Mass that is celebrated and is one of the greatest mysteries of our faith.
Celebrating the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ reminds us to recognise the value of this Sacrament. With the closure of churches during lock down over the past year and the added challenges for some of us to attend Mass in our current world, it has been very easy to lose that connection we receive when we regularly attend Mass.
The Eucharist is a special gift for us, and we need to make the time to continually connect with this gift. Experiencing this when I receive communion brings me great joy and an overall sense of peace. Something that I particularly noticed after months of lockdown and then finally being present at the Mass to receive Holy Communion. It is important for our own spiritual nourishment and connection with God that this is maintained. We need to be open to the spiritual renewal that takes place every time we receive Holy Communion during Mass.
Next time you attend Mass and receive Holy Communion, just remember that Jesus Christ is actually present with you, in that moment of time. Just the two of you together. What would you like to say to him? What is he saying to you?