Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Feast of Corpus Christi:: B : June 3, 2018

"THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST"

First Reading: Exodus  2: 3-8
Second Reading: Hebrews 9:11-15
Gospel Reading: Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

   * First reading is from the book of Exodus. This passage gives us a detailed description of the Covenant God made with Moses on behalf of the people of Israel. This Covenant was sealed with the blood of animals. The Covenant made between God and Moses was a pre-figuration of the new Covenant that Jesus made and sealed with His own blood on Calvary.

   * Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. In this  passage Jesus is portrayed as the High Priest who offers His own blood for the redemption and salvation of all humankind. He is the mediator between God and man and He brings eternal redemption.

"Take :This is My Body... This is My Blood"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage we have the events of the Last Supper narrated in detail. At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the Eucharist and gave His Body as food for us and His blood as the life giving drink for all eternity. Unlike the old covenant which was sealed with the blood of animals, the new covenant is sealed with the blood of Jesus the Son of God. In the Eucharist we are sharing in the very life of Christ in totality. Therefore, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ gives us an opportunity to be thankful for the most precious gift of the Eucharist and the abiding and real presence of Jesus the Son of God in our midst. The Feast of Corpus Christi should help us in the following ways. 1. By receiving Eucharist, we are becoming part of Jesus. Hence our life has to change for the better. 2. This is a day of humble acceptance of God's gift and challenges us to live up to the expectations of Jesus who is abiding in us.
"At the time of communion not only we receive Jesus but Jesus also receives us as the member of His body" - St. Pope John Paul II

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