Daily Retreat 05/25/08
2008 May 25 SUN: THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST S
Dt 8: 2-3. 14b-16a/ Ps 147: 12-13. 14-15. 19-20 (12)/ 1 Cor 10: 16-17/Sequence Lauda, Sion/ Jn 6: 51-58
From today’s readings: “Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.... Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.... The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?... I am the living Bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this Bread will live forever; and the Bread that I will give is My Flesh for the life of the world!”
Every Communion is as special as the First Holy Communion
Even if it was a long time ago, most of us can remember very well the day of our First Communion and our ecstatic intimacy with our Eucharistic Lord! And yet, most of us would have to admit that the last time we received Holy Communion was not nearly as memorable - even if that occurred within this past week, it probably will be quite difficult to recall any noteworthy details.
But remember, Jesus hasn’t changed! EVERY time we receive Holy Communion, you and I receive the priceless gift of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ - no less than the Apostles did at the Last Supper! And so, if our most recent Holy Communion didn’t seem nearly as special as our First Holy Communion, that’s clear evidence that WE have changed and slipped in our attitude, preparation, and thanksgiving for receiving that Living Bread which Jesus promised to give for the life of the world.
The solemnity of Corpus Christi is thus our timely reminder that every Communion is as special as the First Holy Communion. But to recognize and realize this fully, you and I need to commit to reverent and conscientious preparation of body, mind and soul every time we intend to receive our Eucharistic Lord.
We prepare our bodies by fasting for at least one hour before Communion, and leaving home early enough to arrive at Church punctually, dressed in our Sunday best.
We prepare our minds by meditating on Christ’s own teaching on the Eucharist (found in Chapter Six of John and in the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper) and by feasting on the Church’s Eucharistic insights which have been provided by St. Paul and other saints fed and fortified by the Bread of Life.
We prepare our souls with daily prayers and lived commitment to our faith, sincere contrition for all sins, and by availing ourselves of the sacrament of confession to be in the state of grace.
Each Mass is the memorial celebration of Jesus giving Himself as the Bread of Life - how blessed are they who fully prepare body, mind, and soul every time to receive Corpus Christi!
Dt 8: 2-3. 14b-16a/ Ps 147: 12-13. 14-15. 19-20 (12)/ 1 Cor 10: 16-17/Sequence Lauda, Sion/ Jn 6: 51-58
From today’s readings: “Not by bread alone does man live, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD.... Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.... The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ?... I am the living Bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this Bread will live forever; and the Bread that I will give is My Flesh for the life of the world!”
Every Communion is as special as the First Holy Communion
Even if it was a long time ago, most of us can remember very well the day of our First Communion and our ecstatic intimacy with our Eucharistic Lord! And yet, most of us would have to admit that the last time we received Holy Communion was not nearly as memorable - even if that occurred within this past week, it probably will be quite difficult to recall any noteworthy details.
But remember, Jesus hasn’t changed! EVERY time we receive Holy Communion, you and I receive the priceless gift of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ - no less than the Apostles did at the Last Supper! And so, if our most recent Holy Communion didn’t seem nearly as special as our First Holy Communion, that’s clear evidence that WE have changed and slipped in our attitude, preparation, and thanksgiving for receiving that Living Bread which Jesus promised to give for the life of the world.
The solemnity of Corpus Christi is thus our timely reminder that every Communion is as special as the First Holy Communion. But to recognize and realize this fully, you and I need to commit to reverent and conscientious preparation of body, mind and soul every time we intend to receive our Eucharistic Lord.
We prepare our bodies by fasting for at least one hour before Communion, and leaving home early enough to arrive at Church punctually, dressed in our Sunday best.
We prepare our minds by meditating on Christ’s own teaching on the Eucharist (found in Chapter Six of John and in the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper) and by feasting on the Church’s Eucharistic insights which have been provided by St. Paul and other saints fed and fortified by the Bread of Life.
We prepare our souls with daily prayers and lived commitment to our faith, sincere contrition for all sins, and by availing ourselves of the sacrament of confession to be in the state of grace.
Each Mass is the memorial celebration of Jesus giving Himself as the Bread of Life - how blessed are they who fully prepare body, mind, and soul every time to receive Corpus Christi!
posted by FrPitstick | 5/24/2008
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