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Gospel Symbol<\/p><\/div>\n
It is a strange scripture because it seems out of place in both gospels. \u00a0Both chapters are about the end of the world and the signs that will be in the heavens and on the earth. \u00a0These apocalyptic chapters speak of the great tribulation that is going to come upon the world and all of a sudden, “Wherever the Body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” (Matt. 24:28 RSV)<\/p>\n
At first glance, you are tempted to think that the author made an oversight as it seems to be out of place or sequence; however, St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church, says that we must look deeper for the real meaning. \u00a0He explains, “By this Body the saints commonly understand the Body of Jesus Christ, and by the eagles they understand souls detached from the world, who, like eagles, soar above the things of the earth, and fly up into heaven; after which, in thought and affection, they constantly sigh, and in which they continually dwell. These eagles find their paradise on earth in Jesus in the Holy Sacrament; so that their desire to remain with Him appears incapable of being ever satiated.” \u00a0St. Jerome commenting on this scripture mentions the eagles strong desire for their prey and food by saying, “How much more eagerly ought we to run and fly to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, as to the most delicious food of our souls.”<\/p>\n
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Panis angelicus<\/p><\/div>\n
In these times we must all gather around the Body of Christ. \u00a0It is our only hope for there is no doubt that we are in very unique times as never seen before in the history of mankind. \u00a0Even the weather we are having in Texas is unusual, but for this Corpus Christi Procession we will have four altars to bless the four corners of the earth as Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger recommends, \u201cThe number four symbolizes the four corners of the earth that is, the whole universe, the world we live in. \u00a0The blessing was imparted in four directions, with the intention of putting them under the protection of the Eucharistic Lord.\u201d \u00a0This is also scriptural as you find the four corners mentioned in 1 Chron. 9:24, Is. 11:12, and Rev.7:1.<\/p>\n
Accordingly, we also plan to bless the four winds of the earth by proclaiming the four gospels that in, \u201cUttering it, one is as it were sending out the breath of the Holy Spirit to engage the four winds, pervading them and turning them to good.\u201d (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) This part is also scriptural as it is found in Ezek.37:9, Jer. 49:36, Dan. 7:2, Zech. 2:6, Matt.24:31, Mk.13:27, and Rev. 7:1.<\/p>\n
Yes, we recognize that this world and its winds are under the power of “The prince of this world” (Jn.14:30) as St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “The ruler of the power of the air,” (2:2) or “the evil spirits in the heavens” (6:12); however, we are confident that during the Corpus Christi procession, “The ruler of this world will be driven out” (Jn. 12:31) and banished from our land for, “The ruler of this world has been condemned.” (Jn. 16:11)<\/p>\n
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The Corpus Christi Procession is vital because now more than ever, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers,” (2 Cor. 4:4) by pouring a, “Torrent of water out of His mouth,” (Rev. 12:15) which are his “lies.” (Rev. 21:27) \u00a0Yes, we are headed down a perilous pagan path of no return, and “The Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot accept,” (Jn. 14:17) is what keeps the eagles in flight. \u00a0In the words of St. Ambrose, “Around this Body are eagles which fly about on the wings of the Spirit.”<\/p>\n