EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Mark 14:22-24
“Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them… “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.”
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The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity.

The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving”.

The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of praise by which the Church sings the glory of God in the name of all creation. This sacrifice of praise is possible only through Christ: he unites the faithful to his person, to his praise, and to his intercession, so that the sacrifice of praise to the Father is offered through Christ and with him, to be accepted in him. (From “Catechism of the Catholic Church”)

All of us were called by Jesus as His people, as His disciples, as His friends. And as one body, we dedicate our lives in following His will, seeking His love and mercy and partaking in His life, death and resurrection. To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. And as we receive Him during the Holy Communion, may it nourishes our body, soul and spirit. By giving Himself to us, Christ revives our love and enables us to break our disordered attachments to earthly creatures and root ourselves in Him. Receive Him, wholeheartedly, working for our good and the good of His Church.

Almighty Father, Whose promises give us hope, we eat this covenant meal before You today. You have agreed to receive us who believe in Your son. You sealed Your covenant with His blood. We, even in our faltering faith, believe in Your son. We thank you for his life which is given to us, Amen +

I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.