This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  At the heart of this feast is faith.  It is said that this feast dates back to an event in Italy when a German priest was plagued by doubts about the words of consecration effecting a change of the substance of bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ.  He went on a pilgrimage to Rome.  As he was reciting the words of consecration one day, the consecrated bread began dripping blood down his hands and onto the corporal on the altar.  The corporal was brought to Pope Urban IV, who was residing in Orvieto. After a thorough investigation, Pope Urban declared it a miracle and instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi.  The blood-stained corporal is still on display in the Cathedral at Orvieto.

It is common on this day for us to focus on the meaning of the Eucharist.  Our reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians describes the institution of the Eucharist using the words the priest says even today at the consecration. The Gospel compels us to consider the ways we are challenged by the Lord to feed others.  God gives us His only Son in the Eucharist, so that we might be strengthened as the Body of Christ to minister to the Body of Christ.  We pray that our reception of the Eucharist this week and every week may inspire us to serve others and bring them to holiness.

May the Body and Blood of Christ bring us to everlasting life.  Amen!