Corpus Christi [C]

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

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Readings
Genesis 14:18-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Luke 9:11b-17

Dates to Remember
June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 20: Father's Day in the USA
June 20: World Refugee Day

Quotes
"Many problems darken the horizon of our time. We need but think of the urgent need to work for peace, to base relationships between peoples on solid premises of justice and solidarity, and to defend human life from conception to its natural end. And what should we say of the thousand inconsistencies of a 'globalized' world where the weakest, the most powerless and the poorest appear to have so little hope! It is in this world that Christian hope must shine forth!"
Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, #20

"The whole Church as such, is directly called to the service of charity: 'In the very early days the Church added the agape to the Eucharistic Supper, and thus showed herself to be wholly united around Christ by the bond of charity . . . charity gives life and sustains the works of solidarity that look to the total needs of the human being.'"
Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, #41

"In the Sunday Eucharist, the believing heart opens wide to embrace all aspects of the church. But . . . far from trying to create a narrow 'gift' mentality, St. Paul calls rather for a demanding culture of sharing, to be lived not only among the members of the community itself but in society as a whole."
Pope John Paul II, Dies Domini, #70

Thoughts for your Consideration
The scriptures today proclaim the blessings that come when a meal is shared. Sharing a meal is at the heart of the Christian life as seen in the centrality of the Eucharist.

There is a deep richness to our Catholic theology of Eucharist, to our belief in the real presence of God. Books have been written. Talks have been given. Theologies have been developed and debated. After all the thoughts and words, we might reflect today on how that depth and richness is present in our practice.

We can ask the question on the level of our sacramental celebration:

• Does our celebration of the Eucharist reflect the excitement and joy of being one in community?
• Does our celebration reflect a spirit of deep "solidarity?"
• Are we celebrating our solidarity as the living Mystical Body of Christ?
• Do we recognize Christ in the breaking of the bread?
• Is everyone welcome? Is there diversity in our community?
• Does the Eucharist empower us for action? Does it empower us for life?

Our Eucharist celebrates and challenges our sharing and our relationship with each other and with the impoverished. We can ask the question on the level of our life as a community:

• How are we in solidarity with the impoverished in our city and in the world?
• Do we offer direct service to those in need?
• Does our solidarity move from the works of charity toward the works of justice?
• Do we work for "social change" that will heal the structures and systems that keep us apart--that prevent us from being one body?
• How are we the living Body of Christ in the world?

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group
How is the Eucharist important for your spiritual life? How is the Eucharist important for your work for justice in the world?

Actions - Links

On Corpus Christi Sunday, we may feel called to reflect on the issue of hunger in the world. Bread for the World is a nationwide Christian citizens' movement seeking justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying our nation's decision makers. Their site features some basic facts on domestic and international hunger.

Prayer
Prayer of Many Breads

We pray then, good and gracious God,
that we might recognize you in the breaking of bread today.

May we recognize you
every time we join someone on a journey,
every time we share a meal,
every time we take bread in our hands.

And may this recognition call forth such joy in us
that we might never lose sight of your goodness.

May it inspire such love in us that our hearts
might continue to burn within us,
keeping alive your memory and your promise.

And may it provide such a longing for truth in us
that we will never be satisfied
until the whole earth experiences your justice and your peace. Amen.
Adapted by Joseph McOscar from Janet Schaffran and Pat Kozak, More Than Words