Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Feast of Corpus Christi, Sunday :C

"FEAST OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

First Reading: Genesis 14: 18-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Gospel Reading : Luke 9: 11-17

   * First reading is from the book of Genesis. This passage gives us the details of Melchizedek, the King of Salem meeting Abraham. Melchizedek offered bread and wine to Abraham and made profession of faith in one true God. In Christian tradition,the symbol of bread and wine is a pre-figuration of Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. In this passage, Paul tells the Christians in Corinth regarding the first Eucharistic celebration at the last Supper. Paul explains to them and us that when we celebrate the Eucharist, we are not merely making present Christ's Body and Blood , but we are in fact reenacting His death by which Jesus saved us.

"The Miracle of Loaves"
Today's Gospel reading is from Luke. In this passage, we have the details of multiplication of five loaves and two fish by Jesus in the desert. He fed five thousand people by this miracle. Jesus worked this miracle in the desert so that people who followed Him may not die due to hunger on their return journey home. Later on, He shared His Body and Blood at the last Supper for us, so that, we may have eternal life by participating in the Eucharist.
There are four main reasons why we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi.
1. First of all, this feat is celebrated to reaffirm our faith,  that Jesus is truly and really present in the Eucharistic Bread and Wine. The bread and wine we receive in the Eucharist is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
2. Secondly, this  feast is celebrated  as a reparation for all the blasphemy, irreverence and dishonour done to the Eucharistic Lord.
3. Thirdly, this feast is celebrated to give thanks for all the graces we  have received through the Blessed Sacrament.
4. Fourthly, this feast is to make us aware of the great gift of Eucharist and the need to receive Holy Communion frequently to give spiritual nourishment.
"May the Body and Blood of Christ give us eternal life"
"God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament  of the altar"- St. Maximillon Kolbe
"In each of our lives, Jesus comes as Bread of life- to be eaten, to be consumed by us. This is how He loves us"- Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
"If Christ did not want to dismiss the Jews without food in the desert for fear that they would collapse on the way, it was to teach us that it is dangerous to try to get to heaven without the Bread of Heaven"- St. Jerome.

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