Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is much more than the name of a large city in Texas, it is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ which is celebrated around the world with varying degrees of reverent and loving expression. A feast dating from the 1200's, it is an opportunity to adore Christ present under the appearance of bread and wine, and to celebrate this priceless, ineffable gift which continues the presence of Christ in such a tangible way. We receive him into our own bodies and his body mingles with ours as we become one with his.  In the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, we have access to the meal which Jesus shared with the Twelve and which he commanded them to repeat in memory of him, and to the sacrifice of his body on Calvary for the atonement of our sins.  Our busy lives detract from our full appreciation of this gift as we through rote sit, stand, barely listen and run through our list of things to do and places to go after the Mass.  But today we pause to make a special effort to recall what a treasure we have and to show our joy and appreciation for it.  In Rwanda the drums start reverberating through the forest at 5 am, calling people to worship and continue madly outside the church during the consecration.  A procession along a path decorated with sand and grass drawings of Eucharistic symbols such as the chalice, host, lamb, etc. with hymns being sung and younger children climbing trees to witness everything concludes with Benediction.  Festivity and exuberance make the celebration memorable and endkindle faith. We cannot be in Rwanda today, but in our hearts we might express our own appreciation for the Eucharist and talk about it with our families and friends.  It might help to put the Celtics' loss in perspective!
Bro. Rene