Today, the celebration of Corpus Christi gives us the opportunity, on the one hand, to appreciate and give thanks for the great gift offered to us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In it, the Lord's promise is fulfilled: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). This Sacramental presence began at the Last Supper, when Jesus “broke and gave” His Body and Blood, a gift that would continue thanks to the fact that at that same Supper He also empowered them to perpetuate His presence: “Do this in memory of me” (Lk 22:19).
Saint John, in his Gospel, tells us that each of the signs Jesus performed was intended to awaken and strengthen faith in Him (cf. Jn 20:31). Saint Paul, for his part, emphasizes the great importance of the Resurrection: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain” (1 Cor 15:17). But this faith must be nourished, and the best way to do so is by eating the very Body of the Lord: “My flesh is true food” (Jn 6:55). Therefore, this feast also reminds us of our responsibility, not only to be well prepared to receive Him, but also to “truly eat Him.”
Indeed, His Body will give us life to the extent that we assimilate it. Just as any food we give our bodies must be assimilated in order to be of use to us, so too the Body of the Lord will be a source of strength and life to the extent that we allow it to become a part of ourselves. That is why, according to Pope Leo XIV, “participation in the liturgy does not end in the church, but transforms daily life.”
In other words, our Communion with the Lord, the Holy Eucharist, Corpus Christi, will be truly effective in us to the extent that our lives are a true sign leading others to believe. The Lord himself suggested it to us with these words: “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Mt 5:16).
Thoughts on Today's Gospel
“How tenderly Jesus speaks when He gives Himself to His own in Holy Communion. What could my Jesus do more than give me His Flesh for my food? No, not even God could do more nor show greater love for me.” (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)
“Jesus, Bread of eternal life, came down from heaven and was made flesh thanks to the faith of Mary Most Holy. Let us ask Our Lady to help us rediscover the beauty of the Eucharist, to make it the centre of our life.” (Francis)
“Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: ‘He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him’ (Jn 6:56). Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nº 1391)