This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and we focus on our devotion to the Eucharist. This devotion was certainly shared by Saint Pope John Paul II. Shortly before his death, as he celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Pope John Paul stated that a love for the Eucharist helps to create saints and an awareness of vocations.
Our Holy Father Pope Leo has also called on us to focus on the Eucharist. As reported in the media publication, “Zenit”, he stated, “When we partake of Jesus, the living and true Bread, we live for him. By offering himself completely, the crucified and living Lord delivers himself into our hands.” Pope Leo further noted, “The Eucharist, in fact, is the true, real, and substantial presence of the Savior (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1413), who transforms bread into himself to transform us into himself.”
As we reflect on these profound insights, we are reminded that, as Catholics, we are blessed to hold in high regard the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. 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.
As previously noted, Archbishop Hartmayer has encouraged the faithful to participate in various Eucharistic devotions. He expressed his hope that Eucharistic devotions at the parish and national levels will inspire, “…a renewed encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and an experience of the Gospel (kerygma), …and a revival of faithful celebration (the ars celebrandi) and participation in the liturgy.”
The following prayer called, “Praising Christ’s Presence in the Eucharist”, from media contributor Mason Caldwell, encourages us to truly appreciate the gift of the Eucharist:
Our Father, we come before You in humble adoration,
praising the sacred presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
May our hearts be ever open to the grace and love
that flows from this holy mystery.
Strengthen our faith, deepen our reverence, and unite us in Your body,
that we may reflect Your light in the world. 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 vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.