Scripture Reflection - June 22, 2025

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Solemnity

First Reading: Genesis 14:18-20

Second Reading: Corinthians 11:23-26

Gospel: Luke 9: 11-17

 “I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:51

On this feast of Corpus Christi, we should be filled with gratitude that Jesus’ promise to be with us always, even to the end of time, has been accomplished. Through the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus remains present in his sacrifice of love under the appearance of bread and wine.

Through the grace of Baptism, God gave us the power to recognize his presence in the Eucharist. The Eucharistic Liturgy is a celebration of thanksgiving, praise, and memorial modeled on the Jewish ritual meal. At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the manner in which he would remain present with us. While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and said, “Take it. This is my body.” Then he took the cup, offered thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many.” “Do this in memory of me.”

The term “liturgy” is the name given, ever since apostolic times, to the act of taking part in the solemn corporate worship of God by the priestly society of Christians, who are the Body of Christ, the church. It is distinguished from the personal prayer of the Christian and eventually came to be called “the Eucharist,” which is the heart and core of Christian worship. What mattered to the early Christians was not that Jesus was present in the consecrated bread (he was), but rather what demands he was making in that ritual meal.

The Eucharistic Liturgy should be a time to draw the community together to embrace the needs of all, including the poor, the alienated, the hungry, the prisoners, and the strangers. This should be the focus of every true Eucharistic community. As Jesus’ body was broken and shared with all, so must we be willing to be broken and transformed into his body.

Let us continue to praise and thank God for Jesus’ mission of love, always united in his spirit, as we remember the great sacrifice of his body and blood. Let us pray that we, too, may be broken and given in love to enable God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

 As we come together as the Body of Christ at every Eucharistic celebration, let us be filled with the life of Jesus Christ as we receive his sacred body and blood, willing to go forth to witness to the compassion and mercy of our loving God who sacrificed his son for our salvation and that of the whole world. Amen. 

Sr. Mary Doris, OP