Corpus Christi – Year A (2023)

The readings for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ for Year A focus on the Eucharist. In the first reading (Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14B-16A) Moses reminds the Isrealites that God fed them in the desert by providing manna. The psalm (Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20) reminds us that ” with the best of wheat he fills you ” The second reading (1 Corintihians 10:16-17) explains that our sharing in the Eucharist makes us one. And in the gospel (John 6:51-58) Jesus explains that ” unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” But many find his words too difficult and leave.

So the Blessed Sacrament is the focus for this feast day. We can focus on how it brings us together and gives us strength Here are some ideas for this weekend:

Sunday Mass – A Gift Or An Obligation?

Is getting your family to Sunday mass a chore or a gift? Do the teens in your life resist joining you in the pew every Sunday? 

Video: St. Justin Martyr Describes the Early Christian Mass

In this video we see the words of St. Justin wrote to the Roman emperor in 155 AD to defend Christianity. He describes a Mass which would be familiar to us today – the reading from scripture, the homily, the petitions, the offertory, the praying over the gifts, the reception of communion. He even describes bringing communion to those who are not present. He explains that this is called Eucharist and that we believe it is truly the body and blood of Christ. This is a wonderful resource to show the continuity of the order of Mass throughout the ages.

Who Shall Dare to Doubt That It Is His Body?

Since Christ Himself has said, “This is My Body” who shall dare to doubt that It is His Body? – St. Cyril of Jerusalem

The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass As Heaven on Earth (The Book of Revelation)

The Book of Revelation can be one of the most difficult books of the bible to understand. In his book The Lamb's Supper: The Mass As Heaven on Earth, Scott Hahn makes the case that the Book of Revelation is actually a description of the Mass. And every time we participate in the Eucharistic celebration we are actually taking part in a liturgy where heaven intersects with earth.

Whoever Eats My Flesh and Drinks My Blood Has Eternal Life

Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.