Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi Sunday)
Sunday June 22, 2014
Lectionary: 167 (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible)
Reading 1
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A
This week’s first reading from Deuteronomy takes us back to the story of Moses, but it’s much after the time of the Exodus from Egypt. At this time, the Hebrews had ended their 40 years in the desert and the drastic transition to an easier life was making them forget what the Lord had done for them. Moses asks them to remember the miraculous way in which they were fed by manna from heaven. Whatever their need, God provided, and this reading reminds us that the Lord still provides today.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
R/ (12) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
This second reading from the letter to the Corinthians is very short. In these 2 verses we hear a reading that sounds like it’s about the elements of communion on the surface, but St Paul is speaking of an even deeper reality of the act of communion that goes beyond the parts we consume. Through the True Presence of Christ, we enter into the mystery of the full communion of the Church in heaven and earth, living as one. He is reminding us that if we profess this to be true, we need to live more like we this unity is present, and we cannot let simple little disputes get in the way of our community.
Sequence – Lauda Sion
Gospel
John 6:51-58
On the Feast of Corpus Christi, we go back to the classic reading about the True Presence of Christ’s Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist – John 6:51-58. This is an important one for Catholics to know.
Jesus compares Himself to the manna from heaven, but juxtaposes it in way to reveal that this bread is much more than the original manna. This isn’t an easy teaching, and it’s why quarrels ensued from their anger and confusion. Sometimes when people try to downplay the importance and meaning of Jesus’ words, you just have to look at how the audience reacted to His words. If he was being symbolic or metaphorical, they would have more easily dismissed it, but the truth is that Jesus was speaking literally.
Every mass celebrate the Body and Blood of our Lord on the altar, but on this great feast, we take time to remember this great gift from heaven.
Reflection done by Cristobal Almanza – @SoulPainter
Theme song – Ignite – Soundwave soundwave.cc
Background Music This Week
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