The Most Holy Body & Blood

Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Happy 119^th anniversary of the foundation of our parish! I am always in awe when I think of the name of our parish and how it coincides with the name of today’s feast: The Body And Blood of Christ. What a great history we have. We have been here for all those years serving the people who were first here, and later, the newcomers. We have always made room for the poor through our Outreach Programs. We have never stopped being prayerful people, shown by our dedication to the Adoration Chapel. But all the special attention today belongs to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. It is His Body & Blood that we have been gifted with in our faith at our parish. So, for today’s column, I thought I would focus on two essential parts of the Eucharist: unity and mission. Unity is a very big part of the Catholic faith. Do you notice how at every Mass, before he holds up the host and the chalice and says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” the priest breaks off a small piece of the host and drops it in the chalice. Why does he do that? He does it because it’s a custom that goes back to the old papal Masses when on Sundays and feast days the pope would send a small piece of the host he had to the other churches in Rome. It was a gesture that signified unity: all ate the same Eucharistic Bread. All were bound by a common faith. All were united in one Church. So, if you happen to notice my dropping a piece of the large host into the chalice think of what it means: We are connected with all those Catholics throughout the world who this day are celebrating the Eucharist wherever they may be. You see, here at Mass we are united in one global faith. We are a family of 1.8 billion Catholics worldwide that we connect to. Imagine all those prayers being shared and being said for us!! Then there is Mission. This the 2^nd part of the Eucharist that affects our Catholic faith. “Do this in memory of me” are words always said aloud at every mass. Question: what should we do in Jesus’ memory? As He has given His Body and Blood for us, so we should give our body and blood for others - - - in His memory. That is to say, justice, mercy and sacrifice should characterize those who have received these gifts from Christ Himself. That’s our mission: to be sent out from here bearing the gifts of faith, hope, and love. Happy Feast Day to all!   

~ Fr. John