This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi Sunday. This wonderful feast celebrates the amazing gift that is the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It can be easy, I feel, for us to lose our sense of wonder and awe at this astonishing and ongoing act of love. Our God offers the Body and Blood of His Divine Son to us for our nourishment. Not just once in our lives, but every week, every day, whenever we are in need.
When we are in danger of becoming complacent, we need only activate our imaginations and look at our experiences through the eyes of a child. This is especially poignant for us today, as we have a young person in our community receiving First Holy Communion at the 11am Mass. Do you remember your First Holy Communion? I do. Among other notable details, it was the first time I wore a suit! I had a lovely grey suit with a white rosette, and a special pin that had an image of the chalice and my name on it that my Grandmother, an important figure in my early journey of faith, had given to me. I had been prepared for the Sacrament by Sister Henrietta, who taught at the school I was attending. We had the Mass inside the convent affiliated with the school, and afterwards we had a proper Irish breakfast prepared by the Sisters.
I remember these details, the suit, the pin and the breakfast, as clearly as if it happened yesterday. I also remember the experience of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. Much anticipated, it did not disappoint. Surrounded by those who loved me, my family and friends, I experienced God’s love in a new way. God never disappoints us. As often as we may disappoint Him, God is always ready to exceed our expectations, to love us more than we can imagine. I invite you to join me this week in opening our hearts and minds to receiving Him with awe and reverence.
I wish you and your loved one blessings of good health, profound peace, and a renewed sense of wonder at God’s great love,
Fr. Paul