GIFT FOR ALL TIME

June 6, 2021

The main feast of the Eucharist is Holy Thursday. The Corpus Christi feast was originated partly to stress the joy of the Eucharist which might be somewhat lost in the more sombre Holy week.

While Holy Thursday also includes the washing of the feet, this feast is simply to commemorate the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist.

The body and blood of Jesus is the life of the Lord, ‘given to us’. This gift is for all times. At scenes where Jesus feeds the people in the gospel, much is always left over. This is a sign of wanting to give his love for the life of the world for all time. This life, to death and resurrection, is commemorated in a real way at every Mass.

When a priest or minister gives communion, we are aware of the special moment this is for so many people. It is a moment of asking for help in life, for peace of mind, for the presence of the Lord. At a time of illness or bereavement we may recall the lift of grace when communion was brought to us. On our side it is our promise also to share the Lord in different ways of love in our own lives.

Remember a time when receiving Communion brought you peace, joy or comfort. It is right and just O Lord to give you thanks for the gift of yourself in the Eucharist.

Donal Neary S.J.