Sunday May 30, 2027
Mass Readings for Corpus Christi Year B
- First Reading – Exodus 24:3-8: Moses relayed God’s laws to Israel, recorded them, and confirmed the covenant by sprinkling blood on the people, symbolizing their commitment to God’s commands.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: In gratitude for God’s blessings, I commit to acts of thanksgiving and promise fulfillment before all His people, acknowledging His mercies and deliverance.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 9:11-15: Christ, the perfect high priest, entered heaven with his own blood, not that of animals, offering us eternal redemption and mediating a new covenant.
- Gospel – Mark 14:12-16, 22-26: Jesus instructs his disciples to prepare the Passover in a designated room, where he institutes the Eucharist and predicts his final drink of wine in God’s kingdom.
While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.”
Mark 14:22
Themes for Corpus Christi Year B
The readings for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi Year B give background for the notion of sacrifice and explain why we call Jesus the Lamb of God. The first reading describes how the Israelites sacrificed animals to seal their covenant with God. The second reading explains Christ is our high priest, but he also demonstrates sacrificial love. And in the gospel Jesus institutes the sacrament of the Eucharist during the Passover meal.
Corpus Christi celebrates the Eucharist. It is a time to reflect on the gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood.
- Covenant and Commitment: Moses used blood to seal God’s laws with Israel. This shows how serious God’s covenant is. It asks us to follow His laws as Israel did.
- Christ’s Sacrifice: Jesus offered his own blood, not animal blood. This teaches us about His great love and the new life He gives us.
- The Eucharist’s Power: During Passover, Jesus set up the Eucharist. This moment shows us Jesus’ plan to stay with us always through the Eucharist.
- Unity in Communion: Sharing the Eucharist brings us together. It helps us feel connected to Jesus and each other.
This feast day helps us appreciate Jesus’ lasting gift in the Eucharist. Let us remember and celebrate this gift together.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for Corpus Christi Year B.
Resources for Corpus Christi Year B
Sunday May 30, 2027
What Does Amen Mean? – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This free lesson plan provides a structured approach to exploring this important word. Through engaging activities like an icebreaker game, scripture readings, and group discussions, young people can learn about the implications of affirming the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This lesson plan aligns beautifully with the readings for Corpus Christi Year B, where the focus is on the solemn affirmation of our faith in the Eucharist.
The Book of Exodus
Exploring the Book of Exodus can deepen our understanding of the themes presented in the readings for Corpus Christi Year B. This book of the Bible tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into a covenant relationship with God. This historical and spiritual journey reflects the deep commitment and faith required of God’s people, similar to the commitment we renew during the Corpus Christi celebration when we honor the Eucharist. Understanding Exodus helps us grasp the importance of God’s laws and our covenant with Him, mirroring the renewal we experience through Jesus’ sacrifice, which we commemorate in the Eucharist.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for Being Saved – Based on Psalm 116
The prayer based on Psalm 116, used in the readings for Corpus Christi Year B, is a declaration of thanksgiving to God for deliverance and mercy. This prayer is particularly relevant during Corpus Christi as it echoes the themes of gratitude and remembrance central to the feast. It reflects our response to God’s saving grace through the Eucharist, where we recall Jesus’ sacrifice and renew our commitment to serve Him. This prayer invites us to reflect deeply on our own experiences of God’s mercy and to express our thankfulness, much like we do in celebrating the Eucharist, where we remember and give thanks for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Mark
Exploring the Gospel of Mark offers a deeper insight into the narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry, directly connecting with the readings for Corpus Christi Year B. This gospel’s fast-paced style brings us swiftly to significant moments like the Last Supper, highlighted in Corpus Christi’s Gospel reading. This section of Mark invites us to reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist as Jesus’ enduring presence among us, a central theme of Corpus Christi. This exploration helps us appreciate the depth and richness of Jesus’ final actions before his crucifixion, as recounted in this profound Gospel.
Homilies and Reflections for Corpus Christi Year B
Sunday May 30, 2027
The Power of Eucharistic Adoration
In his homily for Corpus Christi Year B, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the importance of Eucharistic adoration. He shares his personal journey and how adoration has enriched his faith. Bishop Barron recalls the example of Fulton Sheen and other saints who found spiritual strength in adoration. He describes adoration as staying close to the fire, providing warmth, light, and protection against the cold and darkness of the world. This reflection calls us to embrace Eucharistic adoration and deepen our connection with Christ in the Eucharist.
Blood and Covenants
In Jeff Cavins’ reflection for Corpus Christi Year B, he discusses the significance of the covenant in both the Old and New Testaments. He connects the use of blood in covenants, from Moses using it to confirm God’s laws in Exodus 24, to Jesus establishing a new covenant through his blood during the Last Supper as recounted in Mark 14. Cavins emphasizes that the Eucharist is not just symbolic but is the actual blood of Christ, reinforcing the real and eternal covenant with God, which we renew during the feast of Corpus Christi.
Blood of the Covenant
Scott Hahn reflects on the Corpus Christi Year B readings, emphasizing the transformation from the old covenant at Sinai to the new covenant established by Jesus. He describes how Jesus’ last Passover was not only a remembrance but an actualization of what was symbolized by Moses. By offering Himself, Jesus creates a new Israel and a new form of worship through the Eucharist. Hahn highlights that our participation in the Eucharist is a commitment to live out this covenant, offering our lives as a living sacrifice to God. This act of worship and thanksgiving fulfills God’s desire for us to be His true family.
The Christian Mime
In his reflection on the gospel for Corpus Christi Year B, Fr. Richard Rohr explains the Eucharist as a profound mime initiated by Jesus during his last supper. He outlines four actions: taking life in our hands, expressing gratitude to God, breaking open our lives, and continually absorbing this mystery. Rohr emphasizes that the Eucharist invites us to actively participate in these sacred acts, mirroring Jesus’ own sacrifice. He challenges us to live out the Eucharistic message daily, suggesting that readiness, not worthiness, should guide our participation in this sacrificial meal.
The Lifeblood of God
In this homily for Corpus Christi Year B, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the importance of both the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. He explains that in ancient religious practices, blood symbolized life itself, making animal sacrifices central to spiritual rites. Barron connects this with the Mass, highlighting it as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice, not merely a remembrance. He stresses that by participating in the Mass, we engage directly with Christ’s sacrificial act, which unites God’s life with ours, achieving salvation and reconciliation through this profound priestly act.
The Mass and Sacrifice
In Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for Corpus Christi Year B, he discusses how the Mass transcends a simple communal meal, emphasizing its sacrificial nature. He explains that the altar is not just a table but a place of sacrifice, linking it to the biblical covenants made with blood from Noah to Jesus. Barron illustrates that during Mass, we partake in Jesus’ sacrifice, echoing the fidelity and unity between God and humanity. This act connects us deeply with Christ and each other, fulfilling the prophecy of a new covenant where God’s law is written on our hearts.
More Thoughts for Corpus Christi Year B
Covenant and Sacrifice
Corpus Christi Year B readings begin with Moses and the people of Israel. Moses shares God’s laws, which are serious promises between God and His people. The sprinkling of blood shows a deep commitment. This reminds us that following God requires a real promise from our hearts.
These readings call us to remember, much like the Israelites did with Passover. But for us, the Eucharist does more than just bring up past events; it makes these events real and present today. Jesus is truly with us in the Eucharist, not just as a memory but as a living presence. This is a powerful act of God’s love, bringing the past and present together.
When the Israelites committed to God, they said, “All that the Lord has said, we will heed and do.” This shows us that remembering isn’t just about thinking back; it’s about living out our promises. Just as Jesus offered Himself fully to the Father, we are called to offer ourselves to God’s kingdom. This means our actions should reflect our faith. Participating in the Eucharist isn’t passive—it’s an active commitment to live according to God’s will.
Christ’s Eternal Gift
In the second reading, Jesus, unlike any high priest before, offers something extraordinary. He uses his own blood, not that of animals. This means Jesus himself ensures our connection to God is forever. His sacrifice opens the door to a new and everlasting agreement with God.
The Institution of the Eucharist
The Gospel during Corpus Christi Year B tells us about Jesus preparing for the Passover. He instructs his disciples to set up a special room. Here, he starts the Eucharist, which is Jesus’ way of staying with us always. This moment is not just about remembering Jesus but having Him present with us in every Mass.
Every time we participate in the Eucharist, we renew our commitment to God. Like the covenant in Exodus, our participation is a promise to live by God’s ways. The Eucharist is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ love and his ultimate sacrifice for us. It’s also a call for us to come together as one family in faith.
As we reflect on Corpus Christi Year B, we understand more deeply what it means to be part of God’s covenant. Jesus sacrificed for us to be part of this new promise. Now, we are asked to live it out by following Jesus’ teachings and sharing His love with others.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Help us to appreciate this gift more deeply and live out your commandments with love and dedication. Amen.
Reflection Questions for Corpus Christi Year B
- How does the idea of a covenant with God influence how I live my daily life?
- What does Jesus’ sacrifice mean to me personally?
- How can I better prepare myself to receive the Eucharist at Mass?
- In what ways can I bring the unity of the Eucharist into my community and relationships?
- How can I make the memory of Jesus’ sacrifice active in my daily actions?
- What are practical ways I can show my commitment to God’s covenant in my community?
- How does the Eucharist help me feel the presence of Jesus in my life?
- How can I actively participate in the Mass and the community to better embody the teachings of Jesus?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for Corpus Christi Year B
Music Suggestions for Corpus Christi Year B
Sunday May 30, 2027
The music for Corpus Christi Year B fits well with the themes of being together, sacrifice, and sharing in the readings. These songs range from traditional hymns to modern Christian music, each focusing on the importance of the Eucharist in bringing people together through Christ’s sacrifice. Themes of bread as food and a symbol of life are common, showing Jesus as the Bread of Life who helps and supports us on our spiritual paths. Some songs focus on the sacrifice, treating Jesus’s gift with respect and honor.
- Bread for the World
- Bread of Angels
- Corpus Christi Sequence
- Do This in Memory of Me
- Gift of Finest Wheat
- King of My Heart
- I Am the Bread of Life
- Make Us Your Own
- Miracle of Grace
- O Salutaris Hostia / O Saving Lamb
- One Bread, One Body
- One Bread, One Cup
- Our Blessing Cup (Psalm 116)
- Overflow
- Remembrance
- Table of Plenty
- Taste and See
- The Body of Christ
We encourage music directors and musicians to try these songs in their services to help the congregation connect more with the themes of Corpus Christi Year B. These songs add beautiful sounds that go well with the readings. We also invite you to share your experiences and suggest other songs that fit well with this special day in the comments. Your input helps make our worship better and deepens our understanding of these important themes.
Questions and Answers
What date is Corpus Christi Year B?
The next date is Sunday May 30, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
Corpus Christi Year A
Corpus Christi Year C
What are the Mass readings for Corpus Christi Year B?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday May 30, 2027 are:
First Reading – Exodus 24:3-8: Moses Establishes the Covenant
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: Gratitude and Devotion
Second Reading – Hebrews 9:11-15: Christ’s Sacrifice and the New Covenant
Gospel – Mark 14:12-16, 22-26: Preparation and Observance of the Last Supper
What does the covenant in Exodus mean?
In the readings for Corpus Christi Year B, the covenant is a serious promise between God and the Israelites. It means that the people agreed to follow God’s laws, and God promised to be with them.
Why did Moses sprinkle blood on the people?
Moses sprinkling blood was a sign of sealing the covenant. It showed that the agreement was important and required full commitment from the people.
How is Jesus different from other high priests?
In the readings for Corpus Christi Year B, Jesus is called the perfect high priest because he offered himself, not animals. His sacrifice is perfect and lasts forever.
What is the new covenant mentioned in Hebrews?
The new covenant is God’s new promise made through Jesus. It means that by believing in Jesus, we are forgiven and can have a close relationship with God.
What does it mean that Jesus entered heaven with his own blood?
This means that Jesus went into God’s special place with the sacrifice of his own life. This opened a way for us to have eternal life.
Why did Jesus set up the Eucharist during Passover?
During Corpus Christi Year B, we learn that Jesus set up the Eucharist to continue Passover in a new way. It helps us remember his sacrifice and presence with us always.
How can I apply the message of the Eucharist in my daily life?
You can apply it by living a life that shows love and forgiveness, just as Jesus taught. Try to be kind and helpful to others, and participate in Mass.
What does it mean to offer ourselves to God’s kingdom, like Jesus did?
It means living in a way that honors God and helps others. We can do this by following Jesus’ example of love, service, and obedience.
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