Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi

To what shall I compare the annual Corpus Christi Solemnity?

1. Some organisations have Annual Benefit Dinners in honour of their founder, usually a great philanthropist and an enterprising, gifted and visionary genius. A large banquet is held with guest speakers and a Master of Ceremonies. Charitable donations are given as the cause or founding vision is recalled and new directions or a new impetus is called for. This dinner is usually held on or near some significant date in the calendar. The backdrop of the setting can often have a logo or vision statement accompanied by a large photograph of the founder, and relatives hold special places of honour. Speeches preceded by an honorary procession can take place. Banners and bunting are in evidence. Yes, the world knows how to honour its own, for wreaths that wither.

Corpus Christi processions and sermons give honour to Jesus, our Eucharistic Host. At every Mass we hear His words: ‘Do this in Memory of me.’

(2) The timing of Jesus’ last command, his parting gift, about to leave and about to die, was ‘Do This in Memory of Me’. The Mass and the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is a mystery and gift.

Jesus’ abiding presence is in every tabernacle. Visitors pass by the sanctuary not even knowing who is among them. I am reminded of the time after being present at a weekly Papal Address on Wednesday in Rome an unknowing Australian tourist approached me asking ‘What’s going on?’ my thoughts included wanting to say: ‘How could you not know?’

The same is the true at every Mass - Calvary the Last Super and the Resurrection are re-presented to us.

At an airport as we part company with a host or guest there is usually the exchange of a gift, as well as important words of farewell, usually deeply felt. A memento or keepsake of the visit is exchanged.

(3)As we look around our houses we have varying amounts of keepsakes from our travels or from visitors and friends. We say proudly, ’oh, my friend gave me that’ or I got that when I was in such- and-such a place. Memories are kept alive. There may be pictures of landmarks and place names. We smile at the memory. We may also have photos of family members and friends taken on special occasions. These are our signs of affection for them, especially for those who have passed on.

Jesus gives us the keepsake of His very self.

(4)The Antiques Roadshow programme on TV reminds us that there could be treasures in our attic, covered in dust, and well beyond what we think may be their value. There may be a huge payoff if we only realised it. Valuers give their professional opinions pointing to clues and characteristic tell-tale designs that we may have missed.

Jesus is the treasure we are in danger of devaluing or overlooking

(5) Often the value in the gift is not so much in its material value, but the spirit and love in which it was given. A parent will keep their child’s first attempt at drawing from school or treasure a homemade Mother’s Day card.

But what if someone gave you a gift as they lay dying? What if it was forever? What if someone died to give it to you? That it cost them their life in order for you to have it? That what they gave you saved your life? That they died so that you might live?

‘This is My Body given up for you. This is the cup of My Blood..shed for you and for many that sins may be forgiven.’

Sadly out of habit and custom, and if we were to count the thousands of Sundays we have received Jesus in the Eucharist over the years we have lived (520 times per decade, 3650 if you are a daily Mass-goer), there is a danger of over-familiarity, and a casual and mechanical approach can enter our receiving Jesus.

Corpus Christi, then, is an annual reminder of the great gift we have received of Jesus in Holy Communion, as well as giving us an opportunity to make reparation for our coolness and that of others. We can rekindle our love and devotion by calling to mind all of the things I have outlined above, which are but shadows of the reality of the greatness and uniqueness and value of even one Host – worth more than the Crown Jewels held under high security and bullet-proof glass in the Tower of London.

We can re-kindle our love and faith and devotion by praying often, especially as we pass a church: ‘Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.’