This weekend we celebrate the great Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, historically known as the Feast of Corpus Christi. The Old Covenant, sealed by the sprinkling of animals’ blood over the people, has been transformed into the New and Eternal Covenant in the Blood of the Lamb shed for the forgiveness of sin and given to us in this Heavenly Banquet. Christ’s Body is true food, and Christ’s Blood is true drink. Jesus submitted to be the sacrificial Lamb without blemish for us. In Him the Heavenly Banquet is the mystery to which we are gathered at His altar here on earth, the mystery in which we are given a full and life-saving share!
   
     The challenge to us of helping young people grasp this mystery prior to their first sharing in the Eucharist is awe-some. The challenge of continuing to allow this mystery to penetrate us as we grow in age and wisdom is no less awe-some. Everything else we eat or drink has a natural or human origin – either the substance or the recipe. Even the bread and wine we bring forth as gifts at Mass begin as gifts of the earth and the work of human hands. But what “becomes” for us the gift from that altar reaches beyond time to eternity, from creation to Creator, and from us who hunger and thirst to Him who is our salvation!

     Whether given and received with faithful reverence during a Communion Rite, adored in prayer before a monstrance or quietly before the tabernacle where the Eucharist is reserved, or brought to and received by the sick or dying as unfailing food for heavenly strength and eternal life, this mystery of the Eucharist puts the awe in awe-some!

     The Eucharist we proclaim, worship and receive each day has been with us since the days of that Last Supper in the Upper Room. Within this mystery God has been faithful to Jesus’ promise to be with us always, and we are made one with Jesus, nourished and saved as no other substance or recipe can accomplish. Whether on my feet or on my knees, I rejoice in the presence of this mystery with you. I rejoice in the presence of this mystery because of you!
                                                                                        Fr. Tom