This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called on us to focus on the Eucharist. As reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Service”, he stated, “the Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the human heart, the hunger for authentic life because in the Eucharist Christ himself is truly in our midst to nourish, console and sustain us.” Pope Francis also noted, “We become credible witnesses to the joy and transforming beauty of the Gospel only when we recognize that the love we celebrate in this sacrament cannot be kept to ourselves but demands to be shared with all.” He emphasized, “The Eucharist impels us to a strong and committed love of neighbor, for we cannot truly understand or live the meaning of the Eucharist if our hearts are closed to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor, suffering, weary or may have gone astray in life.”
As we reflect on these words, we are reminded that, as Catholics, we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. As encouraged by Our Holy Father, we are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.
One way we demonstrate our high regard for the Eucharist is through our participation in the Eucharistic Congress. There will be a National Eucharistic Congress in July in Indianapolis, with a focus on the Real Presence on Jesus in the Eucharist. As previously noted, Archbishop Hartmeyer expressed his hope that the Congress will inspire, “…a renewed encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and an experience of the Gospel (kerygma), renewed eucharistic devotion and adoration throughout the archdiocese, and a revival of faithful celebration (the ars celebrandi) and participation in the liturgy.”
The following “Corpus Christi Novena” prayer encourages us to truly appreciate the gift of the Eucharist:
O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray,
so, to revere the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood,
that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of Your redemption,
who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Jesus, Lord of Creation, grant us the grace to offer ourselves,
our works, and all creation in union with you to the Father.
Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.” And today we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist and for our faith community of Saint Brigid.