The Body and Blood of Christ
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; the bread I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The words, still controversial today, appeared to be more controversial in the day when they were first spoken. On this day, the Feast of Corpus Christi, it is imperative that we take Christ at His word.
Why? We miss the communal gathering, the chance to assemble as a community – no Eucharistic celebration, no celebration of funerals and repasts, no family reunions. Have you missed the Sunday communal gathering? The people’s offering in the presentation of gifts at Mass? The sign of peace? What is important about the Eucharist in the communal celebration? I often say, “We become what we receive in the Eucharistic Celebration.” When we celebrate at Mass, we are no longer the choir, the ministers of hospitality, the Ladies of Charity or the Holy Name Men. When we are at our best, as the living Body of Christ.
With the pandemic and the response to the Floyd arrest, do we not hunger for our best? Do you hunger for a community that lives in justice and peace? Let’s come together in peace. Christ is infallible! He can stop the violence associated with the Floyd death! He can stop the pandemic! He can restore unity in the community. These things are within our power if we only act on our faith. HARAMBEE is our word for the day. When we come together, we are the living and risen Body of Christ. I know it was the Blood. Want peace in the neighborhood, nation and world? Eat his body; drink his blood. Be the Body of Christ!
Deacon Timothy E. Tilghman "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am;" I said; "send me!"