Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Corpus Christi Sunday: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Deuteronomy 6:2-3, 14b-16a: We must never lose reverence for the precious Body and Blood of Christ, which we venerate, receive within ourselves and celebrate, every Sunday, if able! Today’s first reading, from Deuteronomy reminds us not to take God, the Father, for granted as He tenderly and attentively directs our life journeys. Thereby, our God, perhaps when we don’t even realize it, delivers us from harm, protects us and even heals us, by altering situations in order to best help us to thrive… and survive… until we’re safely in Heaven. As the author observes, God does test us, in order to monitor our level of obedience to God’s Commands. Let’s reflect this week on our level of obedience to God’s Commands and consider ways we might improve our conformity to God’s Commands and thereby better fulfill His Holy Will for us. Psalm 147: ―Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!‖ In keeping with today’s special Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we sing this song of glory and praise and thanks to our God; Whom we don’t take for granted. We thank God for literally protecting us, freeing us from slavery and for his imparting Wisdom and grace to us; through the coming of the Holy Spirit upon each of us, at our Confirmations and at other Sacraments and times of grace. Once again, we’re contemplating how our God takes care of both our physical needs for food and water; as well as our emotional and spiritual needs through the workings of the Holy Spirit, in nature and in our relationships with others. Contemplate this week how God’s Word and His statutes and ordinances are meant to enhance our lives and help us to thrive. 1 Cor 10:16-17: This plain-spoken passage proclaims the true Divine Presence of Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist; as celebrated at every Mass. The Eucharist is truly Jesus’ Body and Blood… not just a symbol or simulation! How can we improve ourselves to approach the Eucharist and other Sacraments with reverence, holy awe and humble adoration? Let’s pray to the Holy Spirit and to our Most Blessed Trinity to fill us with appropriate reverence, respect and gratitude when we approach any of the liturgies and Sacraments of the Church. We are never worthy to receive God’s graces and gifts, but we can work to repent of and overcome our sins; in order to be more united with God and with our fellow believers. As St. Paul so poignantly reminds us, our reception of the Eucharist is a participation, with Jesus’ own life within our bodies, minds and souls. Contemplate the power of that and also meditate on God’s nearness to us in the Eucharistic participation celebration… the Mass! John 6:51-58: Hence, we take time to ponder today’s Gospel message. Jesus identifies Himself as the Living Bread, Who came down from Heaven to spiritually nurture His people, like Manna from the desert, in earlier times. Now, all of God’s created peoples are invited to worship Jesus with us. The Eucharist… Jesus’ own Body and Blood are truly here for us to worship, adore and consume! With our consumption of the Blessed Sacrament, we restate and affirm our faith in Jesus’ truly Divine Presence in the Eucharist… and afterwards; within each of us who receive Him! In receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood, we have unique opportunities to contemplate our union with God. Jesus is in us; we are in Him… and we are all united, therefore, as One Body, in Christ!