The Eucharist: The Body and Blood of Christ
When we hear the words “Body and Blood of Christ,” the Eucharist quickly comes to mind. However, the words “Body of Christ” have another meaning: St. Paul often referred to the “Body of Christ” as the Church (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Colossians 1:18; 2:18-20; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:12), which is the mystical Body of Christ made visible in the world (CCC 771). Jesus calls us into His Body! The connection between the two meanings is that in receiving the Eucharist, not only do we experience the most intimate relationship with God, we also become a part of Christ in His mystical Body – the Church!
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus make use of ordinary things like wine, water and bread in His miracles and teachings. In Cana, He changed water into wine to foreshadow the changing of wine to His blood at the Last Supper. At Jacob’s well, Jesus taught the Samaritan woman about the living water that would forever quench man’s thirst. At the mountain side, Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed the multitude. Jesus makes use of ordinary things to bring about extraordinary things. The greatest example is that He used ordinary food and drink, like bread and wine, and transformed them into His most precious Body and Blood. He did this so that He could give Himself to us, to feed our spiritual hunger and to quench our spiritual thirst. What a wonderful and gracious God we have – a God who makes Himself available to us every day so that we might have eternal life.
The Eucharist is an integral part of our ongoing Christian life. Our Christian life is rooted in our personal relationship with the risen Christ, it expresses itself in our love of God and others, it promotes peace and unity with others and it is open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By inspiring and nourishing these dispositions, the Eucharist enables us to share the love of God in the world. Thus the Eucharist is also the sacrament of ongoing Christian life.
The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ; it is not a piece of bread or a wafer; it is a Person – Jesus Christ Himself! As we wait for our turn to receive the Eucharist, let us think about how much Jesus wants to unite us to Him. Are we filled with awe and gratitude for the love of Christ that He gives Himself to us in this way? Therefore, let us receive the Eucharist with reverence. After the Eucharist is placed in our hand, we step aside and reverently consume the Eucharist before going back to our seats. More importantly, there must be a real change that takes place within us each time we receive the Eucharist – that we are more deeply aware of the presence of Christ in our lives and that we are more deeply united with Him.
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi is celebrated with a procession, which symbolizes our need for the Eucharist in our pilgrimage through life.
Chinese cultural dance classes will resume next Sunday. Cultural dance instructor An Fang will conduct the classes from 12:30pm to 1:30pm in the Social Hall. There is no fee for the classes. All women parishioners are welcome.
Vacation Bible School will be on Saturday, July 17. The theme for this year is: “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31) This parish event begins at 1:00pm and ends at 4:00pm. All children from grades 1-8 are welcome. Please register with Mrs. Long Che Chan.
Immediately after the Eucharistic procession today, Fr. Bill will celebrate the Anointing of the Sick in the main church.
The Pastoral Council will meet next Sunday after the 10:30am Mass in the Conference Room. All Pastoral Council members are requested to attend either in person or via virtual meeting.