Sunday, June 2, 2024
The readings for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ for Year B (see below) 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.
So the Blessed Sacrament is the main theme for this feast day along with the notion of self-giving.
Daily Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) – Year B
- First Reading – Exodus 24:3-8: “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: “I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.”
- Second Reading – Hebrews 9:11-15: “he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption”
- Gospel – Mark 14:12-16, 22-26: “Take it; this is my body.”
Here are some suggested activities for this date: