Reflection for Corpus Christi Sunday 2021 (week beginning 6 June)
The full title of this Sunday’s great solemn feast is CORPUS ET SANGUIS CHRISTI (the Body and Blood of the Lord). The Holy Eucharist was given by Jesus at the Last Supper, on the eve of his death. Accompanying it, was his directive: “Do this in memory of me.” He devised this wondrous means of remaining in contact with his disciples, (with us and those who will follow us) until the end of time. The bread and cup became respectively his Body and Blood, whilst he was still with them at the Last Supper.
Eucharistic Prayer 1 at Mass refers to “he took this precious chalice …” This can only mean that after the Consecration at Mass, the contents of the chalice are identical to the cup at the Last Supper, after Jesus thanked God the Father and prayed over the cup.
Pre-Pandemic, receiving from the chalice was always optional. When one has received the consecrated Host, one has received the Real Presence of Jesus totally – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. (After all, one cannot have a body without blood). During Mass, and immediately afterwards, there will always be limited time for a fitting personal thanksgiving. Hence Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is so important. Holy Communion is our foretaste of the Heavenly Banquet. Let us treasure it in our hearts and minds in our earthly lives.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church 