Sunday, June 14, 2009

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

"Take it; this is my body" (Mark 14:22)

"This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many" (Mark 14:24)

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes." (St. Paul in 1 Cor 11:26)


There are two beautiful things about the quotes above:

  • In Mark 14 (the Gospel reading for today), Jesus uses the word is. He does not say is a symbol of or represents. He says is. This is my body. What better reason do we need to know that the Eucharist and Cup we receive at Mass every week is the Body and Blood of our Lord?
  • In 1 Cor, St. Paul tells us that the Body and Blood are also a reminder of the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for us. We are proclaiming that He died for our sins and will come again.
I try and remember these two things as I prepare to receive our Lord every week.

On one hand, I remind myself of the tragic and unselfish sacrifice Jesus made for us. He gave up His Body and His Blood for us on the cross so that we can be with Him in Paradise.


On the other had, I am overjoyed to receive Him and enjoy all the graces that come with this Blessed Sacrament.

How do you prepare to receive our Lord?

God Bless.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael,
I prepare for communion in much the same way you do. I too have conflicting emotions thinking of how Christ died for us but then the joy of recieving this very precious and holy sacrament.
Thank you for the kind comments left on my post. I hope you are having a beautiful and blessed week.
Carol

Anonymous said...

Very nice post Michael.

Since my children are still quite small I find that my best preparation is being patient and loving in the moment. I suppose that isn't the very best, but right now it is about the best I can do.

Michael said...

Carol/Darcee - thanks for your comments!