Corpus Christi Sunday – June 11, 2023
Theme: “Go and Proclaim: He is in the Bread and Wine”
First Reading: Genesis 14: 14-20
Responsorial Psalm: 111
Gospel Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
Second Reading: Luke 24:30-35
GO AND PROCLAIM: HE IS IN THE BREAD AND WINE
(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF BISHOP RAYMUNDO ABOGATAL JR.)
Today, we gather to celebrate Corpus Christi Sunday. As the Body of Christ, we believe in the power of God’s Word. However, Bishop Jun challenged us to examine the depth of our beliefs.
During his homily, Bishop Jun referred to Matthew 16:21, where Jesus foretold His suffering and death in Jerusalem and His resurrection on the third day. However, when these events unfolded, none of His disciples waited at the grave for His resurrection. As disciples or believers, they should have waited for three days because Jesus said that He will rise again. They let fear of worldly authorities overshadow their faith in God’s Word.
Do we truly believe in the Word of God? Jesus said that “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63-64) The word of God is life itself, regardless of the circumstances. Often, we neglect the power that goes into the breaking of bread and the drinking of wine during the Eucharist because we do not witness any changes. However, Jesus assured us that it is indeed His Body and Blood. To truly comprehend this reality, we must approach it with faith. Even if we do not see visible transformations, miracles happen when we firmly believe in God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 further emphasizes the active and living nature of God’s Word. Rest assured, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11) This assurance alone guarantees that God faithfully fulfills His words. While our human nature tends to rely on what we see, in the kingdom of God, we must believe first so that our understanding will be open to the things of God.
In our lives, we encounter situations and desires that only God can solve. As long as we have a good relationship with Him, we need not to worry. We only need to rely on Him and be calm. Let us cast all our cares upon Him, for He has promised to care for us. When we grasp the profound sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, we will never stray from the Church and from Him. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly asks us to believe. Therefore, let us set aside our limited human knowledge and understanding, and immerse ourselves fully in the mind of God. After all, we were created perfectly in His own image and likeness.
Recap by:
MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saintmichaelkalibo
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141718362@N07/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104587191745272872189
Tumblr: http://saintmichaelkalibo.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stmichaelkalibo/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/saintmichaelkalibo/
Blogger: http://saintmichaelkalibo.blogspot.com/
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/podcast/cathedral-church-saint-michael/id1139105076
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DiiezN2MKXqq8OX7pvhaZ
