Embracing Corpus Christi: The Transformative Power of the Eucharist

June 7, 2023June 6, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

In a world marked by constant change, it is reassuring to find an unchanging source of love and nourishment. For Catholics, that source is the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of critically reading John 6 for Protestant conversions, delve into the profound beauty and power of the Eucharist, and discover the rich history behind Corpus Christi processions. We will also share a personal story that exemplifies the impact of this sacrament on the lives of believers.

The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6)

John 6 is vital to Corpus Christi, honoring Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist. It’s the Gospel reading for Corpus Christi Mass, emphasizing its central role.

In John 6:53, Jesus says, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life.” These words challenge us to contemplate their deep meaning. By critically engaging, we recognize Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, a foundational belief.

Understanding the historical context of John 6 further strengthens our appreciation for the Eucharist. Early Christians interpreted Jesus’ words literally and embraced the real presence of Christ in this sacrament. Exploring the writings of early Church Fathers, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Justin Martyr, offers insights into the consistent understanding of the Eucharist throughout history.

Additionally, John 6 addresses the spiritual hunger that resonates with many individuals, including Protestants seeking a deeper encounter with Christ. The transformative power of the Eucharist is a source of nourishment for the soul, fulfilling our spiritual yearnings. Through this sacrament, we establish a unique connection with Jesus and experience the fullness of His presence.

As we celebrate Corpus Christi, the significance of John 6 resonates strongly. It invites us to critically reflect on the explicit language, historical context, and spiritual hunger addressed within this chapter. Through this contemplation, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist and embrace the Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ.

The Splendor and Power of the Eucharist

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 1374, “The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as ‘the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.’ In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.'” The Eucharist is not merely symbolic, but a profound reality where we encounter Jesus Himself.

Saint John Chrysostom beautifully captures the essence of the Eucharist when he says, “You do see Him. You do touch Him. You eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment.”

The Eucharist is the most precious and powerful gift in the world. Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament nourishes us throughout life. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized this truth in a 2006 Corpus Christi homily. He said, “In the procession we follow this sign and in this way we follow Christ himself. And we ask of him: Guide us on the paths of our history! Show the Church and her Pastors again and again the right path! Look at suffering humanity, cautiously seeking a way through so much doubt; look upon the physical and mental hunger that torments it! Give men and women bread for body and soul!”

Corpus Christi Processions

A Tradition of Faith and Devotion: Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ” in Latin, is a celebration of the Eucharist that dates back to the 13th century. This feast was established to honor and adore the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. One of the most significant devotional practices associated with Corpus Christi is the procession.

Corpus Christi processions involve the public display and veneration of the Blessed Sacrament. They are a visible expression of faith, as believers gather to witness the Eucharist being carried in solemn procession through the streets. This practice began in response to the theological controversies surrounding the Eucharist, serving as a powerful affirmation of Catholic doctrine.

Sharing My Personal Eucharistic Experiences

My family’s personal encounter with the Eucharist has been transformative. Our youngest son, at the age of three, demonstrated an understanding and reverence for the Mass. During the Eucharistic Prayer, he would joyfully exclaim, “I see [the] Body of Christ. I want to get more Body of Christ!” Through his innocent proclamation, we gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Eucharist and the faith of children as powerful teachers.

This year, my family eagerly anticipates participating in the Corpus Christi procession. We will join fellow believers in embarking on a three-mile journey from Holy Spirit Church to Saint Lambert Parish. As we walk alongside others, united in faith and devotion, we will honor the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and proclaim our love for Him. In the words of Pope Francis on the Feast of Corpus Christi 2018, “The Eucharist is simple food, like bread, yet it is the only food that satisfies, for there is no greater love. There we encounter Jesus really; we share his life and we feel his love.”

Food for the Journey

The Eucharist, a precious and powerful gift, transforms hearts and fosters unity among Christians. By critically reading John 6, we deepen our understanding of this sacrament and its profound theology. Corpus Christi processions express our faith, reminding us of God’s unwavering love. As we journey in faith, let’s embrace the Eucharist with awe and gratitude. Jesus’ gift of His Body and Blood nourishes our souls and unites us with Himself.

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 82

June 5, 2023June 5, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Hope you had a blessed Feast of the Most Holy Trinity!

Time for another mega-sized Catholic Meme Monday. ✝️🙏

One of my favorite images to illustrate the Trinity.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 🙏🙏🙏

“The rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who loves His Mother.”
—Saint Louis de Montfort

Meme I created was inspired by today’s saint.
🪓 🌲 ✝️ 🙏
saintboniface #lumberjack #catholiclife

Theologically it’s not the most accurate meme but it’s still pretty funny.

One of the tougher feasts to preach on. 🙂😆🙏

Lego + Bible + meme format= awesomeness!

Shifting from Noah’s ark to Joan of Arc memes.
🙂🙏😆

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

Thank you for sharing!

Unveiling the Holy Trinity: 3 Valuable Lessons from Elementary Students

June 5, 2023May 30, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Editor’s Note: Post originally publiched on October 8, 2019.

The Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote, “The soul is healed by being with children.” This Sunday, I experienced the truth contained in that quote. It was the first class for Religious Education at my parish. Going into my third year of volunteering as a catechist, I was comfortable with the subject matter, but I was a bit nervous about teaching third and fourth graders for the first time ever. Previously, I taught high school and middle school students.

Begin with the Trinity

The starting lesson was on the Holy Trinity. While that teaching is the most essential belief of Christianity it is also the most misunderstood and easy to fall into heresy. How could I explain this doctrine to younger students without getting too theological or technical?

In hindsight, I always am reminded that it was pointless to worry. Everything turned out fine. St. Paul wrote, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” (Philippians 4:6-7). I have since bookmarked this passage. Although I failed to petition God for aid before the lesson, I am expressing my gratitude in Him using my students as instruments to remind me of wondrous truths contained in the Mystery of the Holy Trinity.

God Welcomes Us

Entering the prayer room, the students and I sat before the icon of the Holy Trinity (above). This famous religious artwork was painted by Russian artist Andrei Rublev in the 15th century. Another catechist acted as a prayer facilitator. She asked us to gaze at the iconic (no pun intended) image and asked about things that stood out.

One of the students raised her hand stated, “It looks like there is an empty seat at the table.” When asked who the seat is for, the fourth grader replied, “Us! God is welcoming us to the table.”

Her simple statement goes to the heart of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 237, The Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the “mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God”. Only by inviting us into the life of God will be able to know God.

You Don’t Have to be Old to be Wise

Another thing the children taught me is that wisdom does not come from old age, but rather it is a gift of the Holy Spirit. St. Lucy described it best, “Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.” Children’s hearts and intentions are free from prior motivation. The excitement and wonder of a child are something to be celebrated not stymied or stamped out. I have been struggling a lot with seeing the purity in my own children. Instead, I selfishly mistake the energy as causes for messes, extra noise, and an inconvenience at bedtime!

Watching the elementary students talk about the icon of the Holy Trinity with wonder and curiosity made me realize my pride and impatience at my own children. Our three-year-old with autism spectrum disorder had a week of regressions. Mass was basically a zoo with uncaged animals. He had several meltdowns and slipped the holy water at the entrance.

I should have been angry. Frustrated. Defeated. But somehow I did not let that accident before me. Later during the Mass our son finally calmed down. Walking over to the holy water fount after communion he dipped his hand in the water (thankfully he did not spill it again!!). “Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen!” he said with a grin on his face.

The Holy Trinity is the most central mystery of Christianity. How could I be mad at my kid when he expressed that important doctrine with such joy. Wisdom is given by the Holy Spirit. Often those less “educated” or “less worthy” will teach the prideful. It happened to me with my students and son.

Equality Matters

A third aspect of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity my students taught (or reminded) me was a different way to look at the Holy Trinity icon. One of the other things the students noticed about the painting is that all three persons of the Trinity had a halo. The catechist asked, “Why do you think they all have halos?” Quickly, one student quipped, “Because it would not be fair. They would not be equal if only one or two had a halo.” Another simple and profound observation. But it cuts to an important part of the teaching of the Holy Trinity— equality matters.

Christians profess belief in One God in Three Divine Persons not three separate gods. The Catechism teaches, “The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the “consubstantial Trinity”.⁸³ The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire” (CCC 253).

This image below is a common diagram used to explain (as best as humanly possible)

All analogies will fall short. This mystery of the Holy Trinity was revealed by God through Sacred Scripture and confirmed at the Council of Nicaea through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I urge you to spend time in prayer before the icon of the Holy Trinity.

Reflect on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity this Week

Ask your local parish if you go get access to view a copy of this image. If possible, you could purchase this icon as part (or the start) of your home prayer chapel or icon wall. Or simply print off the image from the Internet if you are pinched or time and cannot get access to an actual painting of the icon. Bring your Bible and spend time in Eucharistic Adoration pondering this wondrous Mystery of the Holy Trinity. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, understanding, patience, joy, gratitude, humility, and amazement. I am grateful for the gift of my students and my children who reminded me of the greatest gift— the Holy Trinity!

Related Resources/Links

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s2c1p2.htm

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/12-things-to-know-and-share-about-the-holy-trinity

https://thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/06/10/toddlers-an-adorable-trace-of-the-trinity/

https://thesimplecatholic.blog/2019/05/02/3-reasons-why-st-athanasius-is-my-favorite-saint/

Thank you for sharing!

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 81

May 29, 2023May 30, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Hope you had a blessed Pentecost!

Time for another mega-sized Catholic Meme Monday. ✝️🙏

Happy Belated Birthday to the Catholic Church!
🥳🎉🎂✨

From the Prophet (Billy) Joel.
🔥🕊️🎵🎶
Pentecost2023 #wedidntstartthefire

Saint Paul was a tentmaker by trade and had to find some way to sell more tents. 🙂

The Sacrament of Confirmation confirms or seals one’s faith— it doesn’t conclude it.

For those fans of “Masters of the Universe”. 😆😆

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

Thank you for sharing!

3 Tips to Write with Ease

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Editor’s Note: Post originally publiched on February 20, 2019.

British author J.K. Rowling declared, “The wonderful thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting. The terrifying thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting.” Writers since the beginning of time faced the double-edged sword the joy of creation from words and the fear of writer’s block. Some days it seems that words cannot be typed quick enough as phrases, sentences, and paragraphs already exist in your mind. Other times crafting a mere word or phrase is as painful as getting a tooth pulled at the dentist!

Whether you currently are in a state of inspiration or at a standstill in your writing here are three tips to enhance the ability to write more naturally and effortlessly.

Read, Read, Read— Feed Your Mind

The great American author William Faulkner advocated for the importance of reading, “Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you’ll find out.”

I’ve found that reading a lot leads to effortless writing, without any strain. The mind needs a steady stream of information, like the body needs a balanced meal. Writing different genres is crucial for growth. I read comics for creativity and Catherine of Siena’s dialogues for spirituality and intellect.

Reflection

Another tip to develop more natural and effortless writing is to make time to reflection on the stuff you read. The Greek philosopher Aristotle purported, ““Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Without proper time to examine yourself and the ideas that you read about it gets difficult to organize them into coherent thoughts. Among the best times for reflecting on a post that I want to write about occurs in the car. Using the minutes between drives to work, the grocery store, or other errands I ponder how I want to organize the essential points of an article that I am working on. Even a few minutes of reflection helps me write at a quicker rate and with less resistance!

Passion and Purpose

After feeding your mind with plenty of information and reflecting on the material that you want to write about the third tip I use to make my writing more effortless includes a passion and clear objective. Why are you writing? Is it for an increased amount of exposure and social media fame or is your reason deeper?

I created The Simple Catholic blog to find joy in life on my journey to Heaven. Flannery O’Connor said, “I write to discover what I know.” Through faith, I know that freedom from sin and death comes from following the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

My secondary goal is to help people find joy in this life and the next. Jesus said loving God and neighbors are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:34-40). Prioritizing God, others, and myself brings joy to all aspects of life. This joy is meant to be shared with readers and passed on to friends and family.

Summing Up

Filling my mind with a variety of ideas, taking time to analyze that information, and remembering my original mission for becoming a writing has all contributed to helping me write more naturally, more honestly, and more effortlessly. I hope that these tips help you in your writing endeavors as well. Please feel free to share these tips to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

“All for one and one for all” —Alexander Dumas

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” —Anne Frank

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Thank you for sharing!

Unveiling the Rainbow’s Symbolism: Exploring Faith, Art, and Connection

May 25, 2023May 25, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

In a world brimming with natural wonders, few sights captivate the human spirit quite like the vibrant beauty of a rainbow. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the rainbow holds profound symbolism that speaks to the depths of our faith and the boundless love of God. Inspired by my own experiences and reflections, as well as insights from two compelling articles, let us embark on a journey to unravel the spiritual significance of the rainbow.

Birth in a Rainstorm

My oldest son is named Noah, and he was born in a rainstorm. He and his siblings are also quite the artists, so the rainbow is a symbol that reminds me of his birth, in addition to reminding me about God’s promise in Genesis. The mention of the name Noah conjures imagery of the biblical account of the Great Flood. Just as the appearance of a rainbow marked God’s promise to Noah, the birth of a child amidst a rainstorm tangibly reminds us of hope and the fulfillment of divine promises.It symbolizes the renewal of life, a testament to the enduring love of our Creator.

The Sacrament of Baptism and God’s Covenant

While I identify as a Catholic dad, but my first identity is an adopted child of God. I received this adaption through the graces of my Baptism. Drawing a parallel between the Flood in Genesis and the sacrament of Baptism, we see that the rainbow becomes an emblem of rebirth and spiritual regeneration. Just as the waters of the Flood cleansed and renewed the earth, so too does the sacrament of Baptism wash away sin and initiate us into the divine family. The rainbow signifies our adoption as children of God and the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

A Symbol of Hope and New Beginnings

After a long winter, I tend to think more about spring/summer-related signs like the rainbow more often. What natural signs remind you of Jesus? After a storm, the rainbow emerges in spring and summer, signifying the shift from darkness to light, desolation to renewal. As the earth awakens, the rainbow reminds us of Jesus and the hope He brings. It symbolizes new beginnings, triumph over death, and God’s unwavering presence in every season.

The Incarnational Bridge

A facet of the rainbow rarely focused on: its structure. A bow. It looks like an arch or a bridge. And the bridge is a symbol of the Incarnation because Jesus links us to God. Delving deeper into the rainbow’s symbolism, we uncover its structural aspect—a bow resembling an arch or a bridge. This image becomes a profound reflection of the Incarnation, where Jesus becomes the bridge connecting humanity to the divine. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ provides the pathway to God, enabling us to encounter the fullness of His love and mercy.

Rainbows in PopCulture: The Rainbow Road and the Bifröst

How many times have you fallen off this course?

In popular culture, rainbows have portrayed roads or connections to other realms. Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road is a boundary-breaking course, igniting players’ imagination. Similarly, the Bifröst in the Thor movies symbolizes the interplay between mortal and divine realms. It is a rainbow bridge linking Asgard to Earth. Though fictional, these representations remind us of the rainbow’s power to bridge gaps and unite realms. They serve as a signpost to Jesus, the ultimate bridge between humanity and God.

Mirrors of Christ’s Light

The best way to convert souls is for them to encounter holiness. We are called to be mirrors of Christ’s light. As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in our lives and illuminate the world around us. Just as the colors of the rainbow blend harmoniously, creating a magnificent kaleidoscope, so too should our lives radiate the diverse facets of holiness. By embracing our unique gifts and virtues, we become living reflections of Christ’s love, drawing others closer to God through our words and actions.

Evangelizing through the Rainbow:

How do we evangelize others about God’s love? Keep discussing the various aspects of the rainbow: structure as a bridge, colors representing a kaleidoscope of holiness, its occurrence usually in spring/summer, reminding one of art/creativity. And our creativity is derived from the creativity of the Holy Trinity.

Prism — Just as light is separated into the color spectrum when viewed through a prism, so too are Christians emboldened with various gifts (hues) of charisms to spread the Good News to the darkest parts of the rest of the world. Only unified through the light of Christ may the saints provide various ways to communicate the Gospel.

To effectively share God’s love with others, we can engage in conversations that explore the manifold dimensions of the rainbow. By contemplating its structure as a bridge and its representation as roads in popular culture, we invite others to discover the transformative power of the Incarnation. Emphasizing the diversity of colors, we illustrate the rich tapestry of holiness within the communion of saints.

When we see a rainbow, we reflect on the renewal of life in spring and summer, inspiring hope in others. The rainbow’s connection to art and creativity is seen in Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road and the Bifröst in Thor. These references show the rainbow as a bridge, uniting realms and fueling our creativity—a reflection of divine creativity within us from the Holy Trinity.

Conclusion

The rainbow shows God’s Covenant love, weaving personal experiences, biblical narratives, and theological reflections. Its vibrant colors remind us of rebirth, hope, and the bridge to God. Let the rainbow inspire us to mirror Christ’s light and share God’s boundless love.

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 80

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023 / chicoinematt / Leave a comment

Hope you had a blessed Seventh Sunday of Easter (or Feast of the Ascension)!

Time for another mega-sized Catholic Meme Monday. ✝️🙏

Meme inspired by the Feast of Saint Rita plus me rewatching the OG Power Rangers show and
introducing it to my kids.
😆😆😆

A funny meme even though it’s not the most theologically accurate.

This resonates with me as an introvert. 🙂😆🙏

Sunlight ☀️= Good
Sonlight ✝️ = Better
Both = Best

Saint Matthias’ feast landed on a Sunday this year. Still gotta show him respect. 🙂👍

One of my favorite analogies to describe the importance of Mary in leading us to Christ. 🙏

Meme inspired by my love of the Gospel and Tolkien.
🌳 👨 👀 🙏
healingofthenblindman #jesussaves #tolkien #ents #visioncheck

Meme I made inspired by my love of Saint Michael and the CW show Arrow.
🏹 🪽

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

Thank you for sharing!

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The Simple Catholic

Helping You Develop a Joyous Life

Embracing Corpus Christi: The Transformative Power of the Eucharist

The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6)

The Splendor and Power of the Eucharist

Corpus Christi Processions

Sharing My Personal Eucharistic Experiences

Food for the Journey

Related Links

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 82

Unveiling the Holy Trinity: 3 Valuable Lessons from Elementary Students

Begin with the Trinity

God Welcomes Us

You Don’t Have to be Old to be Wise

Equality Matters

Reflect on the Mystery of the Holy Trinity this Week

Related Resources/Links

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 81

3 Tips to Write with Ease

Read, Read, Read— Feed Your Mind

Reflection

Passion and Purpose

Summing Up

Unveiling the Rainbow’s Symbolism: Exploring Faith, Art, and Connection

Birth in a Rainstorm

The Sacrament of Baptism and God’s Covenant

A Symbol of Hope and New Beginnings

The Incarnational Bridge

Rainbows in PopCulture: The Rainbow Road and the Bifröst

Mirrors of Christ’s Light

Evangelizing through the Rainbow:

Conclusion

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 80