HOMILY OF SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “FOR MY FLESH IS REAL FOOD AND MY BLOOD IS REAL DRINK.”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Deut. 8:2-3, 14-16/ 1 Cor. 10:16-17/ John 6:51-58
Holy Thursday and the Last Supper, together with the redemptive death of Jesus upon the Cross, are the most significant moments in Christianity. Through them, Jesus perpetuated his presence amongst us by giving himself completely. He declared and commanded unequivocally: “this is my body…this is my blood…do this in memory of me.” Since then, the church has obeyed the Lord’s command and kept his presence alive in the “Breaking of Bread,” the Holy Mass.
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At every Eucharistic encounter, Jesus comes anew to the community through the offering and consecration of Bread and Wine, which become his Body and Blood. Jesus himself is our bread of eternal life, and nourishes us on our pilgrimage to the Promised Land. Today’s readings celebrate the nature of the Eucharist as the Bread from Heaven, given to nourish us on our journey through life; as communion between Jesus and us; and as the true Body and Blood of Christ. The gospel particularly celebrates the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, to give us life here and now and in eternity. He unites his church as one through communion with him, in order to bring humanity into communion with God. Hence the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life; the fullness of life itself for all believers. Without it, we are lifeless. At every Eucharist, we encounter Christ himself. Having received him, we become what we receive in order to bring him to the world around us. Cherish it; abide in it. On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, let us resolve to spend more time with Christ through a habitual embrace of Eucharistic Adoration and visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
Lord, nourish and enliven us by your Body and Blood. Amen.
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