The gift of the Eucharist calls us to offer thanksgiving
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (June 3, 2018): EX 24:3-8; PS 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18; HEB 9:11-15; MK 14:12, 22-26
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Today we express gratitude to our Lord for the gift of His body and blood.
He not only suffered and died for us, but He also lets us receive Him intimately through the Eucharist. This marvelous word comes from the Greek for “thanksgiving.” We need to understand how completely Jesus gave himself for our welfare. He let Himself be crucified for us and, at the same time, shared His life with us through His Body and Blood present in the Holy Eucharist. “If the blood of goats and bulls…can sanctify those who are defiled…how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God” (Hebrews 9:13-14). Our Lord, High Priest and Redeemer, has reconciled us to Himself through His own sacrifice.
On this feast, once known as Corpus Christi Sunday, we are called to think about the New Covenant that the Son of God established with His people through His life, death and resurrection. We can also pray for a greater appreciation of the consecration of the Mass when bread and wine become our Savior’s flesh and blood. Then all who receive may be one body and one spirit with Him – and one other.
Suggested missionary action: Let us thank God for the gift of the Holy Eucharist. Let us receive Him as often as possible by attending Mass on at least one other day of the week in addition to Sunday.
