Corpus Christi - Body & Blood of Christ
When it comes to the holy Eucharist, I am always excited. As a seminarian, I recall helping a newly ordained priest in Kenya as he traveled from village to village to offer thanksgiving Masses after his ordination. I carried the Mass kit we bread and wine and the essential vessels and linens for the celebration of this sacrament. We walked long distances and prayed the Mass in very poor conditions. Some days it was hot, other days wet. We did not have a vehicle, we traveled on foot, and it was exhausting.
We stayed in the villages after we offered Mass and the priest gave lessons to the people. After a few days, I was getting comfortable carrying the Mass kit and setting things up. One day I felt exhausted and sickly. The familiarity I had with the Mass began to bring some complexity and doubt. I wondered if this was truly Jesus because he looked the same and tasted the same in the host. It was not long before I was moved by the words of the Eucharistic prayer, “Take this all of you and eat of it, this is my body, given up for you”.
God was generous to my heart. These words became renewed. I began to hear these words differently. I realized the Holy Mass was not a simple action performed by man but God actually becoming present through our participation in what he has already done. The Body of Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. My experience in the villages near my home fully moved me to faith. Jesus gave himself up for us. This gift is represented at Mass and the same Jesus in a real way becomes present to us. Despite the fatigue I experienced while helping the newly ordained priest the Eucharist was a source of strength. Likewise, on this feast day, I feel renewed in faith and in the Eucharist.
I invite you to pray and seek renewal in your faith in the Eucharist. Light a fire in your Eucharistic faith.
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malignant enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee
Forever and ever.
Amen.
Jesus thy kingdom come! In my heart through Mary! ~Fr. Gabriel
