The Solemnity of Corpus Christi <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scriptural passages <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st reading Gen. 14:18-20. Psalm 109. 2nd reading 1 Cor. 11:23-26. Gospel Lk. 9:11-17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theme: The Body and Blood of Christ<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We celebrate today the Solemnity of the most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. The Body and Blood of Christ, celebrated in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, holds profound spiritual, theological, and ecclesial significance. The Body and Blood of Christ is the source and summit of the Christian life. The body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist is not just spiritual presence, but the real Jesus Christ. He is fully present in the Eucharist. The three readings today invite us to reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is nourishment. It should be received in faith, accepting the commitment that the act of eating and drinking the body and blood of Christ entails. All three readings insist on the close link between the Eucharist and life, between the Bread that is Christ and the bread that nourishes the body. We cannot be in communion with the Body of the Lord without sharing what we have. We see this in the first reading and in the gospel. The second reading stresses the incompatibility between the breaking of bread and dissensions and division in the community. The body and blood of Christ unite us as members of the mystical body of Christ. The body and blood of Christ is food for the pilgrim Church on the way to heaven. The body and blood of Christ is medicine for the soul. We cannot survive spiritually without feeding on the body and blood of Christ. The Lord told us, if you do not eat my body and drink my blood you will not have life in you.(Jn. 6:53). In this reflection we shall highlight the significance of the body and blood of Christ and how to align ourselves with the body and blood of Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Significance of the Body and Blood of Christ <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, the body and blood of Christ is the real presence of Christ.The Eucharist is not a symbol but the real presence of Jesus Christ. His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist \u2018the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained (CCC # 1374). \u201cThis is my body, which is given for you… This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood\u201d (Lk. 22:19-20). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, the Eucharist is the memorial of Christ\u2019s Sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. The Eucharist is the memorial (anamnesis) of Christ\u2019s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, making present the one eternal sacrifice of Calvary. The Catechism tells us, “The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross…” (CCC # 1366). The scripture has this to say about the body and blood of Christ, \u201cFor as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes\u201d (1 Cor. 11:26). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist is spiritual nourishment and union with Christ. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ nourishes the soul and deepens communion with Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Catechism teaches that, “Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus” (CCC # 1391). The Master has this to say, \u201cWhoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them\u201d (Jn. 6:56). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, the body and blood of Christ brings about unity of the Church, the mystical body of Christ. According to the teachings of the Church, the Eucharist is the sacrament of unity, uniting all believers into one Body, the Church. “The Eucharist makes the Church. Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ and through Him to one another” (CCC # 1396). The apostle Paul makes the same claim in the following words, \u201cBecause the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf\u201d (1 Cor. 10:17). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, the body and blood of Christ is a foretaste of heavenly glory. The Eucharist gives us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, the eternal communion with God. The Catechism says, “In an ancient prayer the Church acclaims the mystery of the Eucharist: ‘O sacred banquet in which Christ is received, the memory of his Passion is renewed, the soul is filled with grace and a pledge of the life to come is given to us” (CCC # 1402). The scripture has this to say about the body and blood of Christ. \u201cBlessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb\u201d (Rev. 19:9). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sixth, the body and blood of Christ is strength for the journey to heaven. The Eucharist is spiritual food for our pilgrimage on earth and particularly important at the hour of death. “In addition to the anointing of the sick, the Church offers the Eucharist as viaticum to those who are about to leave this life” (CCC # 1524). In other words, the body and blood of Christ is given to those who are critically sick to assist them in their journey home to heaven. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Align With The Body And Blood of Christ <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aligning ourselves with the Body and Blood of Christ means entering into full communion with Jesus through the Eucharist, by living a life of faith, grace, love, and obedience to God. The Eucharist is central to Catholic life because it is both a sacrament and a mystery where Christ becomes truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity. This alignment is not just symbolic; it is a real, transformative union with Jesus Christ that sustains and sanctifies the believer. These are some of the ways we can align with the Eucharist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, we should receive the Eucharist worthily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We must approach the Eucharist with reverence, faith, and a state of grace (i.e., free from mortal sin). This aligns us spiritually with Christ. The apostle Paul has this to say, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:27-29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, we should live a Christ-like Life. We align with the Body and Blood of Christ by striving to live as Christ lived, loving others, practicing humility, and obeying God\u2019s commandments. The Master told us, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him” (Jn. 6:56). “Holy Communion augments our union with Christ… It preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism” (CCC # 1391). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, by participating in the Mass, we align with the body and blood of Christ. The Mass is the re-presentation of the sacrifice of Christ. Attending Mass, especially on Sundays and holy days, is a key way of aligning ourselves with His sacrifice. The Lord told us, “Do this in memory of me” (Lk. 22:19-20). According to the Catechism, “The Eucharist is “The source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC # 1324). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, we align ourselves with the body and blood of Christ by going for sacramental confession. When we fall into sin, we must seek reconciliation through confession to be spiritually clean and ready to receive the Eucharist. The Master gave the gift to his Church, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven…” (Jn. 20:22-23)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Church teaches us that, “Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion” (CCC # 1415). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, we should believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Believing that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ is essential. This belief connects us to the mystery of Christ\u2019s love and sacrifice. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever…” (Jn. 6:51). We align with the body and blood of Christ when we have faith in his real presence in the Eucharist. Let us become what we eat. In having faith in the real presence and living a life of holiness in imitation of Christ, we align ourselves perfectly with the Eucharist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prayers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord, help us to love you above all things. Lord, heal our wayward hearts. Lord, give us your love. Lord, deliver us from temptation and sin. Lord, may your body and blood transform us. Lord, give us the grace of holiness and righteousness. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a happy feast day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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