Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Readings: Gn 14:18-20; Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Cor 11:23-26; Lk 9:11b-17
Notes: We collectively embody Christ’s real presence in the world. It is said and it is done!
Pointillism
Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image.
Eucharist
The transformation (transubstantiation) that occurs is not only of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, but of the community as well. Through Eucharist, the faithful become what they receive, namely the body and the blood of Christ. They are not individually transubstantiated into the real presence of Christ, but collectively embody Christ’s real presence in the world (see footnote).
– Allman, Mark
First reading
Melchizedek, priest.
Jesus in the order of Melchizedek.
Responsorial Psalm
You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
Second reading
In our second reading, Saint Paul asserts the importance of sacred Tradition. Just like in the development of the Old Testament, the New Testament went first through a period of Oral Tradition. Before it was written as a canon, it was spoken and shared face to face and then written in real time. It is not until much later it becomes canon and ‘set’ for all time.
We literally say a portion of this text in the Eucharistic Prayer and in the Memorial (anamnesis) Narrative.
More correctly to say: It is said and it is done!
Brothers and sisters:
I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you,
that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over,
took bread, and, after he had given thanks,
broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup,
you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
Sequence
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/06/19/lauda-sion-2/
Alleluia Verse
I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.
Gospel Portion
The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand.
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God,
and he healed those who needed to be cured.
Then taking the five loaves and the two fish,
and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing over them, broke them,
and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
They all ate and were satisfied.
And when the leftover fragments were picked up,
they filled twelve wicker baskets.
In Jesus, the gospel portion brings to light his saving work:
- Be healed.
- Be filled.
- Be satisfied.
- Become a dot in the Eucharistic Pointillism.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
References
Allman, Mark. “EUCHARIST, RITUAL & NARRATIVE: FORMATION OF INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNAL MORAL CHARACTER.” Journal of Ritual Studies, vol. 14, no. 1, 2000, pp. 60–68. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44368578. Accessed 19 Jun. 2022.
Deacon Gerry Palermo 