Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Readings: Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11b-17
Summary
The crowds, meanwhile, learned of this and followed him. He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” 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 (LK 9:11, 13a, 16-17).
Reflection
- He received them.
- He spoke to them.
- He healed them.
- He provisioned for them.
- He fed them.
- He provided leftover fragments for future needs.
Jesus, a Priest-King in the Order of Melchizedek, blessed them all.
All these gifts were present on the Cross. All these gifts were present at the Last Supper. All of this while distinct are inseparable from one another.
The Eucharistic celebration is the great Thanksgiving of God. Jesus, present then, now and always, until the end of times.
The Anamnesis of the Lord is to make present that which happened in the mystical way of being present when and where it happened. It is historical and it is current. It is at one time past, present and future. It is the Lord.
For 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. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 COR 11-23-29).
Personal Reflection
What he did at supper seated,
Christ ordained to be repeated,
His memorial ne’er to cease:
And his rule for guidance taking,
Bread and wine we hallow, making
Thus our sacrifice of peace.
This the truth each Christian learns,
Bread into his flesh he turns,
To his precious blood the wine
Full sequence: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2022/06/19/lauda-sion-2/
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062225.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry