June 22, 2025
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Dear Parish Family:
Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, which translates from Latin to “Body of Christ.” This feast originated in France in the mid-thirteenth century and then was added to the universal calendar of the Church so that it could be celebrated and spread to the whole world in 1264.
The Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday in Rome. Why a Thursday? Because it was at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday that Jesus instituted the Eucharist. However, in many other countries, including the USA, we celebrate it on the Sunday following that Thursday so that those who work and are unable to come to Mass on Thursday can celebrate on Sunday. It’s that important of a feast! It’s a chance for us to really stop, look, and listen to not only what the Eucharist is but truly Who the Eucharist is. And that changes everything. Body and Blood and Divinity of Jesus Christ, truly, really, and substantially present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Relationships are rooted in communication. If we are not in contact with people, it is difficult to really know them. In order for us to grow in our relationships – whether with family or friends – we need to communicate with them. The most important and fundamental relationship we have is the one with Christ Jesus. Just like any other relationship, it requires communication. We receive Jesus in Holy Communion. We are fed with Him, we are united to Him, and we are nourished and strengthened to become like Him.
Yet this inestimable gift does not stop there. Eucharistic Adoration extends Holy Communion in a lasting way. It prepares us to participate more fully in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is a testimony to our belief in the Real Presence. Jesus is truly there and He is present in the tabernacle. We can go to Him and be in His presence. Eucharistic Adoration leads us to spiritual union with Him that culminates in the reception of Holy Communion. Saint Alphonsus Ligouri said that “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments, the one dearest to God, and the one most helpful to us.” In Eucharistic Adoration, we go to the wellspring of grace to pray and to reflect. There we can find quiet and peace and be renewed.
It has been said that Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration allows us to enter into the sacred space of the tabernacle. The whole church or chapel in a sense becomes the tabernacle. There is a distinct intimacy in that space. We lovingly look at Him as He lovingly looks at us. What a blessing to have Eucharistic Adoration every week in our Chapel. Jesus invites us to drop in even if it’s just for a few moments, to be with Him. Remember the Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration takes place in the Chapel every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Jesus is waiting for each of us there. Let’s not keep Him waiting.
Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan