Corpus Christi

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58

A question.

To what or whom are the Ministers of Communion referring to when they say to you, “The Body of Christ” – “The Blood of Christ”? It may seem like an obvious answer but…?

• Is the minister announcing that you are the Body of Christ?

  
  

• Are they referring to the piece of bread or the wine in the cup, the Body and Blood of Christ? Though note they do not say, “This is the Body [or Blood] of Christ.” The minister says, “The Body [the Blood] of Christ.”

  
  

• Are they referring to themselves, also a member of the Body of Christ?

  
  

• Is it the presence of Christ in the sacred food or within the encounter of two people or both, since we all share the one bread?

  
  

• Or, is it all of the above?

  
  

The ambiguity of the liturgical text gives us insight into the mystery we are celebrating and receiving in Holy Communion.

Have you ever considered the Eucharist as an encounter with Christ with and through our sisters and brothers? Did not Jesus say, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them?" [Matthew 18:20] To celebrate the Eucharist we first need a gathered community around a common table as the essential setting. Only then can encounter, sharing and dialogue can take place in which Jesus is present.

Consider the act of distributing and receiving Holy Communion. It is first an encounter and then a dialogue takes place between two people, “The Body [the Blood] of Christ” and our affirming “Amen!”  The dialogue of faith is so important while the sacred food and drink bind the two believers to each other in Christ and in faith.

It may also help us to remember that the principal reason the Eucharist is reserved in our churches is for distribution to the sick, the home-bound and the dying. They have been unable to be present at the Eucharistic celebration, so we go out to them and gather. Consider what takes place in homes, at bedsides and in healthcare facilities and hospices. Is it not the same series of events as here in the Eucharist? An encounter between two people or more, sharing of care, concern and stories and then the dialogue of faith and the presence of Christ in the sacred food.

How we celebrate the Eucharist and what we understand this communal meal to be is essential. This communal understanding of the Eucharist and the Sacraments is the belief among most Christians. It is never solely an individual encounter between Jesus and us. It is always Jesus, us, in the midst of the gathered community. A deep love for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist must therefore include a deep love for each other. That is expressed in the Sign of Peace.

Consider the meaning and gesture for the Sign of Peace. We are not offering each other a common greeting, like “Good morning” or a holiday, “Merry Christmas.” We are not offering each other our wishes for peace. We are offering each other the peace of Christ. A peace that only Christ can give. A gift that can and must be offered even to a member of the community with whom we may not get along or in which there is a breach in the relationship because it is not our gift we are offering each other but Christ’s gift of peace to be shared even with our enemies.

Thus, another aspect of this community encounter in Jesus is the call to reconciliation and healing. Consider what takes place at this moment in the liturgy just before we receive Holy Communion: encounter, dialogue, “The Peace of Christ be with you” and a response such as “and with your spirit.” In that exchange accompanied by a hug, a kiss, a handshake is the healing presence of Christ.

We gather to become what we receive: a holy communion. Communion with Christ, communion with each other.

To what or whom is the Minister of Communion referring to when they say to you, “The Body of Christ” – “The Blood of Christ”? Is not the correct answer to my question, ‘all of the above’? Jesus calling us into fellowship with himself and with others.

To all of this, must we not give a resounding, “Yes!” “Amen!”