The Miracle In Front Of Us: A Reflection for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord (Corpus Christi). This feast was established for the Universal Church in 1264 by Pope Urban IV. By the 15th century, it became one of the principle feast days of the Church.

In every age, the Church calls attention to the miracle of the Mass; Her remembrance that Christ gives us His own Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in every Eucharist. In a time when many Catholics do not understand that the Holy Eucharist truly is the Body and Blood of the Lord, this feast takes on a new significance – a new importance. It is a call for each of us to pray for a deepening of Faith in the One we receive at every Mass.

It is also a time to reflect on our particular demeanor as we approach the Eucharist. Our hearts should be reverently reflecting on how blessed we are to have our God come to us under this humble form of bread and wine. We should rejoice that He calls us, unworthy as we may be, into an intimate union with Himself. The moments after receiving Holy Communion should be filled with gratitude that our Savior loves us so much that He desires us to experience this grace in the very depths of our heart.

No other moments in our life are as precious as the moments of receiving the Holy Eucharist. But sometimes in our human weakness our minds wander far from this sacred reality. We may even be thinking about our problems and asking Christ to help us. Let us not forget to offer a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for His presence in our hearts. In the Holy Banquet of receiving the Eucharist, let us remember that “our minds (and hearts) are filled with grace and the promise of future glory is given to us.”