Corpus Christi

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ 2020 – Cycle A Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; John 6:51-58

It has been over three months since we have gathered for the Eucharist. How bittersweet then to mark the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ when we still cannot share in the Lord’s Supper.

Yet might this distance give us some clarity for reflection? Therefore today’s homily will take the form of a guided meditation. So sit comfortably…but not too comfortably. Take moments of silence between my questions to reflect. You may want to close your eyes. Breathe gently…

• During these weeks, what has it been like for you that we have not been able to physically gather for the Eucharist on Sundays? Be as specific and honest with yourself as you can.

• What, maybe surprisingly, do you miss the most about our gatherings?

• What has this experience taught you about yourself and your spiritual life?

• Has it opened new avenues of prayer for you? Or have you realized you have been spiritually running on ‘empty’?

• What have you experienced by being made to fast from receiving the Body and Blood of Christ? Have you found yourself in solidarity with many Catholics throughout the world who only receive a few times a year or less? Has it deepened your longing for Jesus?

• How has this experience enhanced your personal and family prayer life? Do you see yourself continuing these prayer practices after we return to a full communal celebration of our Sacraments? Why? Why not?

• Did you reclaim Sunday as a day of prayer and rest in the Lord or did Sunday just get filled in with more stuff?

• What insights into your personal way of living are you becoming aware of? What life style changes might you see yourself make to have a deeper Christian commitment to prayer, Jesus, parish community and the world?

My hope is that this experience in some manner is spiritually changing all of us. I believe the Spirit is using the absence of the Eucharist and Sacraments to bring about a new presence within us.

The Body and Blood of Christ are more than what we receive from the altar; the Body and Blood of Christ is you and me fully alive in the Spirit!

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PLEASE NOTE: Homilies presented here are also being videotaped and put up on the Saint Mary, Oneonta website: http://www.SMCCOneonta.org.