Sunday, June 11, 2023

Corpus Christi Homily

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi which is the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ.


The world in which we live constantly hungers for something more. There is a hunger for material possessions, for wealth, and for an over abundance of pleasure. At times we allow these various things to overshadow the presence of Christ among us in the form of the Eucharist. The answer for which our heart longs was given to us in our Gospel: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.”


For this reason the Most Holy Eucharist is central to our life of faith. What we see with our eyes is mere bread and wine, but through the words of the priest the host becomes the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ our Lord. To receive the Eucharist is to enter into a profound union with Christ. It is here that we come to be transformed by His grace in order that we may be strengthened on the journey of faith which leads towards Eternal Life.


On this journey we  continue to live in the world. Thus we  continue to be touched by the brokenness and challenges of this life. We will come to face trials, temptations, and the burdens of our human existence. But it is in the Eucharist that we find our solace, our strength, and the true nourishment for our soul.


Just as physical food sustains our mortal bodies, the Eucharist sustains our spiritual life. It is this spiritual food that strengthens us, that renews us, and empowers us to face the struggles of our daily life with faith and courage. In the Eucharist, we encounter the living Christ who walks with us, who guides us, and gives us the grace that we need in order to persevere.


This Heavenly food that has been extended to us by Christ is truly the food that will sustain us and make us whole. Those who eat of this flesh will never hunger because they have come to receive the presence of Christ Himself. It is this presence that transcends any want or need that we will ever have for the Eucharist is the sustenance of life which sustains us in the gift of God’s grace. There is no greater reality then this, so let us find our contentment here with Christ who is present among us under the appearances of bread and wine. 


With this knowledge let us be willing to spend time with Him in prayer. Let us come to receive Him with true reverence. Let us be willing to allow Him to be the one to whom our life is directed. All things that we do should flow towards Christ. In the Eucharist we receive this life giving nourishment that assists us in our practice of faith. Let us entrust ourself to Christ and His presence among us in the Most Holy Eucharist for He is the one who fills us to the fullest degree.

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