At the Last Supper Jesus said to his apostles “Do this in memory of me.”
The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ reminds us that Jesus left us the gift of his body and blood as food for our journey. The great mystery is that God came to us in a human body, -Jesus Christ-, lived, suffered, died and rose from the dead for our salvation. We celebrate this mystery at each Mass.
Pope John Paul II says: “In the signs of bread and wine changed into his body and blood
Christ walks beside us as our strength and our food for the journey
and he enables us to become for everyone, witnesses of hope.”
As Mary did, we carry Christ within us as we deepen our relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, in daily encounters with him, in moments of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, in our life bathed in the love of Our Lord.
St. Paul says “I live, not I, but Christ lives in me.”
Jesus shows us the importance of gratitude in the prayers he offered to his Father before undertaking significant events in his ministry. Let us be grateful to God for his many blessings in our ordinary daily life.
Jesus said,’ I am the living bread, which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world. (John 6:51)
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O Good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from you.
From the wicked foe, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me
and bid me come to you
That with your saints I may praise you
For ever and ever. Amen.