Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). The Catholic Church has consistently taught from Apostolic times that during a valid celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the bread and wine are truly changed into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is what is meant by the “True Presence” or “Real Presence” of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. Although the elements still have the appearance of bread and wine, they have – through the power of the Holy Spirit – actually changed into Jesus’ Body and Blood, just as they did at the Last Supper.

The Second Vatican Council referred to the Eucharist as “the source and summit” of our faith. As such, there is the need for proper respect regarding the Eucharist. This respect for the Eucharist means observing the rule that we must fast from food and beverages for one hour before receiving Holy Communion, including abstaining from chewing gum. It is permissible to drink water, and a small amount of food is permissible if needed to take with medicine. Respect for the Eucharist also means arriving for Mass on time and not leaving early. Respect for the Eucharist means observing silence or very quiet conversation both before and after Mass as a courtesy to others who are praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Respect for the Eucharist means that those who are physically able should genuflect reverently when entering and leaving a pew when they arrive for Mass and leave from Mass in a church in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept. If unable to genuflect, a deep bow is an appropriate sign of respect. Respect for the Eucharist means that we should not receive Holy Communion if we are aware of being in a state of serious sin (see 1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Such persons should go to Confession, or in the case of cohabitation or a marriage outside of the Church, should see a priest about having their situation corrected so that they may worthily receive the Sacraments of the Church.

On this feast of Corpus Christi, established by Pope Urban IV in the year 1264, we celebrate the miracle of the Eucharist. When we share in the Eucharist, we share in Jesus’ miraculous love for us and for all sinners. Our Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, is worthy of our worship, our respect, and our love. In the Most Holy Eucharist, we truly receive Jesus – his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – nourishing us for those lonely moments that are so often part of our human experience, and reassuring us that God is always present in our lives.