Sunday, June 10, 2012

Corpus Christi -- the Sacred Heart


Today, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, St. Michael's and Sacred Heart parishes are again praying together and adoring Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament We will accompany Jesus Christ in the monstrance from Sacred Heart church to our church on Ridge Rd. This is one expression of our Faith; but it's a very important one.

In the Gospel we hear:
While they were eating, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many..." (Mark 14:22-23)
At the Last Supper ordinary unleavened bread was changed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ and also wine was changed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Although the appearances of bread and wine remain, the reality -- the substance -- is Jesus, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Jesus is not partitioned; so, each species is His whole Person, human and divine.

This continues to happen at every Mass. What a privilege to consume the Body and the Blood and the Soul and the Divinity of Christ. That is why it is so important to appreciate this Gift. All of us must prepare ourselves with prayer and good Confessions to receive our Lord.

On Friday we will commemorate the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. He appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque in 1675 with his Heart exposed, surrounded with thorns and a burning flame above it. Once again, Our Lord wanted to remind us of his infinite love for us. This is the reason why He gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist. He is materially with us in the world all the time, if we are prepared, we can receive Him.

As we process today with Jesus in the monstrance, let us pray for those who do not know this Gift -- for those who think that the Eucharist is only a symbol of Jesus' presence. May they know the joy of having the real Presence in every tabernacle of every Catholic church throughout the world.


Father Stanley





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