Esteemed parishioners of Blessed Sacrament and visitors,

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, historically referred to by its Latin name, Corpus Christi. This solemnity celebrates the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist-Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. As a community named after this sacred sacrament, this day holds special significance for us.

Corpus Christi dates to the Middle Ages and originated with a Eucharistic miracle, in which, while a German Priest, Fr. Peter of Prague, was reciting the prayer of consecration during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, blood began to seep from the consecrated host onto the altar and corporal. The miracle was approved by Pope Urban V, and the relics are still kept in the Cathedral of Orvieto, Rome, to this day. Then, the Pope issued a bull, making the solemnity of Corpus Christi universal.

Many other Eucharistic miracles have occurred throughout history and have been authenticated by the Church. God allows them to happen in order to help us believe in the real presence of Jesus. We still witness this miracle daily during Mass, when the bread is changed into the Flesh and the wine into the Blood of Christ during consecration. Precisely, this is what the church believes to be the substantial change (Transubstantiation): the two species of bread and wine still look and taste the same, but they have become, in their substance, the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. And so, sometimes it becomes difficult to convince well-informed people that the bread and wine have changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, despite no change in appearance or taste. But Reason alone will fail us in this aspect. We need to add faith to our reason and intellect. As Paul says, in the Christian life we go by faith, not by sight (ref. 2 Cor 5:7).

The gospel reading of this solemnity emphasizes the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. When Jesus told the Jews that he would give his Flesh for the life of the world, they did not understand or appreciate it. They disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus reaffirmed that "My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." The Jews ended up distancing themselves from the Eucharist because the sacramental language makes no sense in the world of science.

As for us, we are reminded to believe that the Eucharist is true food and drink. It provides a visible means of communicating God's life to us so that we can be fully alive both in this world and in the next. This belief is based on Jesus's own words, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day" (John 6:53-54).

The troubling news from the recent study indicates that 1 out of 3 self-identified Catholics do not believe that the bread and wine used during Mass transubstantiate into the Body and Blood of Jesus during consecration, but rather become "symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ." This belief has led to multiple incidents of abuse of the Holy Eucharist.

Thus, the solemnity of Corpus Christi is meant to re-awaken our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and reflect on the greatness of the Eucharistic mystery. The Eucharist embodies Jesus' love for us, which is why we must approach it with respect and profound humility and seek forgiveness for our sins. At the beginning of each Mass, we ask for mercy because we feel unworthy of His love. Before receiving Holy Communion, we acknowledge our unworthiness: "Lord, I am not worthy..." This moment is precious as we become one with Jesus.

Additionally, we must approach the Eucharist with the right attitude and disposition, as it is a sacrament of life. Misusing it can lead to serious consequences, as St. Paul warned: "All who eat and drink in an unworthy manner... eat and drink judgment against themselves" (1 Corinthians 11:29). Ensure that you are not conscious of any grave sin before receiving Him. As you approach to receive Him, do so with reverence, truly believing in His real presence-body, soul, and divinity-in the Eucharistic species. Visualize Him as you consume Him in the forms of bread and wine. After the final dismissal, leave the church filled with a newfound sense of peace and joy, recognizing that you carry the Prince of Peace in your heart, and conduct yourself accordingly.

Those of us who, for some grave reasons, are unable to receive Jesus sacramentally, you are always invited to receive the spiritual communion while inaudibly reciting the following prayer: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly with You.

"Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration." - Saint Teresa of Calcutta

In God's service and yours.

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