Body and Blood of Christ

Embracing Corpus Christi: The Transformative Power of the Eucharist

/ chicoinematt

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.

Feast of Corpus Christ

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.

Eucharist Meme- John 6

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.”

Eucharist

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 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.

Meme about the Eucharist

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.

Related Links

https://aleteia.org/2020/06/12/this-is-what-the-feast-of-corpus-christi-is-all-about/

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/seasons-and-feast-days/corpus-christi-14356

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A Letter to the Laity on what Actually Happens at Mass in 2019 (and well always!)

/ chicoinematt

To the Curious, Doubting, Lukewarm, or Unbelieving Catholic Laity,

When we attend Mass, we are entering a holy place in which a miracle takes place.  Not only are we present when the basic elements of bread and wine are transubstantiated to the body and blood of Christ, but those at Mass are transported in a mystical way to a heavenly banquet.  Though the reception of communion happens a few prayers after the Canon is complete, it is vital from a theological and catechetical perspective.  With Christ present with his church, the Bridegroom has come for His bride.

After commingling of the body and blood the Priest tells those present to behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  This is the praise of the angels and those in Heaven as seen in Revelation 19.  In Revelation 19:9 and Angel told St. John. “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (NRSV).

At this point in Mass the priest is passing on this wedding announcement from Heaven.  Like a groom at a wedding, our Lord calls to us and wants to have an intimate relationship with his bride.  He does this by giving himself, his own body and blood, as a way to show his eternal commitment to us.  Like a bride we process down towards our groom to be united with him.

In the Eucharist we are united with Christ not only spiritually, but physically.  Being united with the flesh of Christ is the most personal thing we will be able to experience (Augustine 469).

The Old Testament book of Song of Songs has very vivid imagery between a man and wife symbolizes the love that Christ has for His church.  One passage that is particularly relevant to the Wedding Supper of the lamb is Song of Songs 1:2 which states, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth” (NRSV)!  This is exactly what St. Ambrose says happens during the reception of the Eucharist (Ambrose 354).

The second person of the blessed Trinity has forgiven us of our sin and unites himself with us with his very body.  The Wedding Supper of the Lamb is a taste of the heavenly worship that we will experience in eternity and unites us with the church suffering and church triumphant in heavenly praise.

Next time you are at Mass take that extra moment to thank Christ for the very gift of himself.  Take the time to realize that we are worshiping the King of the universe alongside those who have gone before us in the faith.

There is much more happening at Mass than meets the eye.  It is a place where a true miracle happens, ordinary bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.  Let us not merely go through the notions, but truly understand what is happening.

Do you want to transform the church?  It begins with understanding what is happening at Mass and who we are receiving in the Holy Eucharist.  I leave you with the following quote from St. Ambrose for further meditation:

Perhaps you will say “I see something else, how is it that you assert that I receive the body of Christ?”

And this is the point that remains for us to prove. What evidence shall we make use of?  Let us prove that this is not what nature made, but what the blessing consecrated, and the power of blessing is greater than that of nature, because by blessing nature itself is changed.

God bless you all!

Your brother in Christ,

William

About our guest blogger:

William is a convert to the Catholic faith.  Before entering the church he was ordained as a Baptist and Lutheran and earned a Master of Divinity from Liberty Theological Seminary.  William lives with his wife and four children in Tucson, AZ and teaches religious education for children and adults.  Check out his website/blog at williamhemsworth.com for more great and informative Catholic content!

Notes:

Augustine of Hippo. “Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John.” St. Augustin: Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Soliloquies. Ed. Philip Schaff. Trans. H. Browne and Joseph H. Myers. Vol. 7. New York: Christian Literature Company, 1888. Print. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series.

Ambrose of Milan. “Two Books Concerning Repentance.” St. Ambrose: Select Works and Letters. Ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. Trans. H. de Romestin, E. de Romestin, and H. T. F. Duckworth. Vol. 10. New York: Christian Literature Company, 1896. Print. A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series.

 

 

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