Mark 14, 12-16.22-26:
Sunday, 6th June 2021 (Corpus Christi)
For some it was last Thursday, and for others it will be this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi.
The Gospel of St. Mark reminds us this Sunday how Jesus tells his disciples where to prepare for the celebration of the Passover, and how, while they were celebrating, he gives himself in the form of bread and wine. From that moment on, his presence in the sacrament is the sign of the new covenant between God and us.
Carpets of flowers, altars with decorations, monstrances and processions. Manifestations that can remain somewhat traditional, showy, folkloric, but superficial. But it can also be the expression of a profound reality of faith, and this is what Christians should celebrate. It is the sacramental presence of Jesus among us. In the Mass, for “where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst”. And in the sacrament of the Eucharist: “Take and eat, this is my Body. Take and drink, this is my Blood. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in me and I in him”.
On this solemn day we need to partake of his Body and Blood, to feel united in the same faith, and to be aware that together we form the Body of Christ. As he gave himself for us, so we should feel the need of our brothers and sisters and come to their aid. Let us participate fully in this feast by celebrating the presence of Jesus among us.
Juan Ramón Gómez Pascual, cmf
