SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, CYCLE C
19th June 2022
Genesis 14:18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11-17.
Today’s feast reminds us of the unique way in which Jesus presented his body and blood to us as food. His body is real food and his blood is real drink. He presented to us his body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine. He followed the tradition of Melchizedek the High priest and king of Salem. These are everyday visible signs and symbols perceptible to our senses. In the second reading, St. Paul told the Corinthians that he is handing over to them the tradition of the breaking of bread which he received from the Lord. The church inherited this tradition from Jesus himself who performed the first consecration of bread and wine to become his body and blood in the presence of his twelve apostles.
As we continue in this tradition, do we still believe in the real or actual presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? Are we more interested in the communion, the gathering together or the very essence of our coming together? Let us remind ourselves again that Jesus meant his body and blood to be real food and drink. This special food come down from heaven will quench our hunger for sin. It will give us the satisfaction compared to none in this life. This is the reason why it is always connected with the death of the Jesus. In the second reading, St. Paul said: Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death. Jesus died to redeem us from the slavery of sin. The connection with his death shows us that this food will turn our minds and heart from sin. It revives the soul and energizes us to say NO to sin.
The rich traditions surrounding the reception of Holy Communion will keep this conviction alive in us. Going to confession; Fasting an hour before communion, and saying the prayers before and after communion will keep us focused on the real presence of the Lord. Conviction on the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is not magic. It comes through observing the practices related to the reception of the holy communion.
Fr Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.
