Corpus Christi Year B
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.
Upcoming dates: May 30, 2027, June 23, 2030, June 19, 2033
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
Corpus Christi Year B focuses on the gift of the Eucharist. The readings show how God made covenants with His people and how Jesus gives Himself to us in the new covenant.
- The Blood of the Covenant: In the first reading, Moses seals the covenant with the blood of animals. In the second reading, Jesus offers His own blood for a new and lasting covenant.
- Jesus, the High Priest: The second reading explains that Jesus is the perfect high priest. He does not use animal sacrifices but gives Himself for our redemption.
- The Eucharist as a Gift: In the Gospel, Jesus gives His body and blood to His disciples. He offers Himself completely so we can be united with Him.
- Obedience to God’s Will: The first reading shows the people agreeing to follow God’s commands. Jesus, in the Gospel, follows God’s plan and prepares for His sacrifice.
- The New Covenant: The second reading speaks of the new covenant made through Jesus. His sacrifice replaces the old sacrifices and brings eternal redemption.
- Preparing for the Eucharist: In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples to prepare for the Passover. This reminds us to approach the Eucharist with faith and readiness.
Corpus Christi Year B reminds us of the deep meaning of the Eucharist. Jesus gives Himself to us, and we are called to receive Him with faith.
Resources for Corpus Christi Year B
Sunday May 30, 2027
What Does Amen Mean? – Reflection and Discussion Questions
This lesson helps youth think more deeply about the word amen and what it means when they receive the Eucharist. Many teens are used to saying it without much thought, but this lesson invites them to see it as a real act of faith. They learn that the Eucharist is not just a symbol—it is truly Jesus, given to them out of love. This helps them approach Mass with more understanding and reverence.
Using this lesson on Corpus Christi Year B is especially meaningful because the whole day centers on the gift of the Eucharist. The Gospel reading shows Jesus giving His body and blood to His disciples, and now that same gift is offered to us. This lesson helps youth make that personal. It encourages them to say amen with purpose, knowing they are saying yes to Jesus, to His love, and to the call to follow Him more closely.
The Book of Exodus: Blood and Bond
In Exodus 24:3-8, we see Israel’s formal acceptance of God’s covenant. Moses reads the law, and the people agree to follow it. Then he seals their promise with blood, a visible sign of their union with God. This act marks a turning point in the book of Exodus, which tells the story of Israel’s deliverance and formation as God’s chosen people. It is not just about freedom from Egypt. It is about becoming a holy nation under God’s law.
The reading fits into the larger theme of covenant found throughout Exodus. God saves not just to rescue but to establish a relationship. The laws help form a just and faithful community. On Corpus Christi Year B, this reminds us that covenants are sealed in blood—first by Moses, and later, more perfectly, by Christ.
See more in this article about the Book of Exodus.
Psalm 116: Lifting the Cup with Gratitude
Psalm 116 expresses deep thankfulness for God’s saving power. The psalmist, rescued from death, promises to keep faith and publicly honor God. This fits with the psalm’s larger message: a personal relationship with God based on trust, praise, and gratitude. It’s not just about ritual; it’s about the heart’s response to mercy.
In the broader context of the Psalms, this poem highlights the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and responding with praise and offerings. On Corpus Christi Year B, it speaks to our Eucharistic thanksgiving. We also “lift the cup of salvation” as we give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice.
Read more about Psalm 116 and its message of praise and trust.
The Letter to the Hebrews: A Better Sacrifice
Hebrews 9:11-15 explains that Jesus does what animal sacrifices could never do. As the true high priest, he brings his own blood into the heavenly sanctuary. His offering brings eternal redemption, not just temporary cleansing. This connects to the book’s major theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament promises and practices.
Hebrews builds a bridge between the old covenant and the new. It honors the past but shows how Christ completes it. He mediates a better covenant, written not on stone but in hearts. On Corpus Christi Year B, we see the Eucharist as the fruit of this sacrifice. It’s not a ritual alone—it is a gift that changes everything.
Discover more in this overview of the Letter to the Hebrews and its message of fulfillment.
The Gospel of Mark: A Meal That Changes Everything
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 shows Jesus carefully preparing for Passover, then transforming the meal. He takes bread and wine and gives them new meaning. This is not just a goodbye—it’s a new beginning. Mark’s Gospel often moves quickly, but here he pauses to highlight this intimate moment.
The larger theme in Mark is the identity of Jesus as the suffering Messiah. He lays down his life and invites his followers to do the same. The Last Supper becomes the center of that message. On Corpus Christi Year B, this Gospel brings us back to that table. In sharing the Eucharist, we join Jesus in his mission and in his hope.
Homilies and Commentaries 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.
Reflection for Corpus Christi Year B
Corpus Christi Year B reminds us of the great gift of the Eucharist. The readings show how God made covenants with His people and how Jesus gave Himself as the final sacrifice. The Eucharist is not just a tradition but a real encounter with Jesus. Through His body and blood, we are brought into a deeper relationship with Him and with one another. These reflections help us think about the meaning of the Eucharist and how it calls us to live.
Covenant and Commitment
The first reading in Corpus Christi Year B tells how Moses shares God’s laws with the people. They listen and agree to follow them. Then Moses seals their promise with the blood of sacrificed animals. This blood is a sign of their serious commitment to God.
The Israelites are not just making empty promises. They say, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” Their words show real dedication. They understand that following God is not just about listening but about acting. Their obedience is part of their covenant with Him.
In the same way, the Eucharist calls us to more than just remembering Jesus. It calls us to live out our faith. When we receive the Eucharist, we renew our commitment to God. We say “yes” to His will, just like the Israelites did.
Jesus gives us His own body and blood as a sign of the new covenant. His sacrifice is not just a ritual but a true offering of love. The Eucharist is a reminder that faith is not just about belief but about action. God invites us to respond by living according to His ways.
Christ’s Eternal Gift
In the second reading for Corpus Christi Year B, we hear about Jesus as the perfect high priest. Unlike the priests in the Old Testament, He does not offer animal sacrifices. Instead, He offers Himself. His own blood brings a new and lasting covenant between God and His people.
This sacrifice is different from those of the past. Animal sacrifices had to be repeated again and again. But Jesus’ sacrifice is once and for all. His offering is enough to bring us back to God forever. He does what no one else could do.
Through the Eucharist, we take part in this new covenant. We do not just look back at what Jesus did—we enter into it. Each time we receive the Eucharist, we share in His sacrifice. His gift to us is ongoing and always present.
This reading reminds us that Jesus’ offering is more than a moment in history. It is a lasting gift that brings us closer to God. We do not have to rely on temporary sacrifices. Through the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Himself, who gives us life.
The Eucharist Brings Us Together
The Gospel in Corpus Christi Year B tells how Jesus prepares for the Passover with His disciples. He gives them specific instructions about where to celebrate. Everything is prepared just as He said. At this meal, He gives them the Eucharist for the first time.
Jesus does not just tell His disciples to remember Him. He gives them His body and blood. This is more than a symbol. He is truly present in the Eucharist. His sacrifice is not just remembered—it is made real every time we celebrate Mass.
When we receive the Eucharist, we are not alone. We are united with Jesus and with each other. The Eucharist brings us together as one body in Christ. It is a shared meal that strengthens our faith and our community.
This Gospel reminds us that faith is not just personal. It connects us to others. The Eucharist calls us to live in unity, just as Jesus gathered His disciples at the Last Supper. It is a gift that brings us closer to God and to one another.
The Eucharist is more than a ritual—it is an invitation to follow Jesus more closely. Corpus Christi Year B reminds us that God’s covenant is not just about the past but about how we live now. When we receive the Eucharist, we renew our commitment to Him. We are called to live out our faith, just as Jesus gave Himself fully for us.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of the Eucharist. Through it, You bring us closer to You and to one another. Help us to receive it with faith and live according to Your will. May we follow Your example of love and sacrifice. Strengthen us to walk in Your ways each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions for Corpus Christi Year B
- What does the covenant in the first reading teach us about commitment to God?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice in the second reading compare to the old sacrifices?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus offers His own body and blood?
- How do you prepare yourself to receive the Eucharist?
- In what ways does the Eucharist bring people together as one body in Christ?
- How can you live out your faith more fully after receiving the Eucharist?
- What does Jesus’ instruction to prepare the Passover teach us about readiness for the Eucharist?
- How does the Eucharist strengthen your relationship with God?
- What can you do to deepen your understanding of the Eucharist?
- How does the Eucharist call you to serve others in your daily life?
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 by Bernadette Farrell
- Bread of Angels by Curtis Stephan
- Corpus Christi Sequence by James Poppleton
- Do This in Memory of Me by Chris Muglia
- Gift of Finest Wheat by John Michael Talbot
- King of My Heart by Greg Walton
- I Am the Bread of Life by Steve Angrisano & Tom Booth
- Make Us Your Own by Ed Bolduc
- Miracle of Grace by Curtis Stephan
- O Salutaris Hostia / O Saving Lamb by Tom Booth
- One Bread, One Body by John Foley
- One Bread, One Cup by Bobby Fisher, Ken Canedo, Greg Lee & Craig Aven
- Our Blessing Cup (Psalm 116) by Sarah Hart
- Overflow by Matt Maher
- Remembrance by Matt Maher & Matt Redman
- Table of Plenty by Dan Schutte
- Taste and See by Steve Angrisano
- The Body of Christ by Sarah Hart
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.
The Eucharist Brings Us Together
Corpus Christi Year B focuses on the gift of the Eucharist. The readings show how God made covenants with His people and how Jesus gave Himself for us. The first reading tells how Moses sealed God’s covenant with Israel using the blood of animals. The second reading explains that Jesus, the perfect high priest, offered His own blood for a new and lasting covenant.
The Gospel tells how Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. He gave them bread and wine, saying they were His body and blood. This moment shows the beginning of the Eucharist, which Catholics celebrate at every Mass. Jesus also speaks of drinking again in God’s kingdom, pointing to the hope of eternal life.
Corpus Christi Year B reminds us that the Eucharist is more than a symbol. It is Jesus giving Himself to us. When we receive the Eucharist, we share in His sacrifice and strengthen our bond with Him and one another.
Your Turn
Corpus Christi Year B is a time to think about the meaning of the Eucharist. The readings remind us of God’s covenant and how Jesus gave Himself for us. His sacrifice brings us together and strengthens our faith.
Take some time to reflect on these readings. What does the Eucharist mean to you? How has it shaped your faith? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
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